opponent
gb/əpˈoʊnənt/ us/əpˈoʊnənt/
A2
English
~ 2800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Person competing against another
A person or group you try to win against in a game, fight, or competition.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s opponent
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'opponent' with 'enemy'. An opponent is someone you compete against in a specific context, but not necessarily someone you dislike personally.
Synonyms
rival (Often used in sports or business; can suggest ongoing competition between the same parties.)
|
challenger (Implies someone trying to take a position or title from another.)
Antonyms
ally (An ally works with you toward the same goal, not against you.)
Collocations
political opponent
|tough opponent
|face an opponent
|defeat an opponent
|strong opponent
Themes
sports
|competition
|conflict
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The boxer knocked out his opponent in the third round.
- She studied her opponent's moves carefully before making her play.
- Our team will meet a strong opponent in the final match.
- The candidate debated fiercely with his political opponent.
- Chess requires you to think ahead of your opponent.
Learner examples
- I scored more points than my opponent.
- My opponent is very fast.
- We will play against a new opponent today.
- He is my opponent in the game.
- Her opponent is strong and smart.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Person opposed to an idea
A person who does not agree with an idea or plan and tries to stop it.
Usage pattern:
opponent of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'opponent' only for sports. In politics or debates, 'opponent' also refers to someone against an idea or plan.
Synonyms
critic (Focuses on pointing out faults rather than direct resistance.)
|
adversary (More formal; can apply to both ideas and physical conflict.)
Antonyms
supporter (Someone who agrees with and promotes the idea.)
Collocations
opponent of reform
|vocal opponent
|opponent of the law
|fierce opponent
|opponent of change
Themes
politics
|debate
|conflict
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has been a long-time opponent of nuclear power.
- Opponents of the bill gathered outside the parliament building.
- He became an outspoken opponent of the new tax policy.
- Environmental opponents protested the construction project.
- The mayor faced strong opponents to his urban plan.
Learner examples
- He is an opponent of war.
- Many opponents came to the meeting.
- The plan has many opponents.
- She is an opponent of the new rule.
- Opponents are speaking loudly about this issue.
Grammar
Dictionary form
opponent
IPA
GB/əpˈoʊnənt/
US/əpˈoʊnənt/
Syllables & stress
op - pon - ent (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pon)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: opponent
- Plural: opponents
Word family
Forms
opponents
noun
Core family
oppose
verb B1
opposition
noun B1
Related words
opposite
adjective A2
opposed
adjective
Expressions
formidable opponent
1/fˈɔɹmədəbəl əpˈoʊnənt/
fixed phrase
Very strong rival
An opponent who is very powerful and hard to beat.
Examples
- The champion faced a formidable opponent in the finals.
- She has been a formidable opponent in every debate.
political opponent
1/pəlˈɪtɪkəl əpˈoʊnənt/
fixed phrase
Rival in politics
A person in politics who works against you or your ideas.
Examples
- The senator refused to debate his political opponent.
- She defeated her political opponent in the election.
worthy opponent
1/wˈɚði əpˈoʊnənt/
fixed phrase
opponent who deserves respect
Someone you compete or fight against who is strong and deserves respect.
Examples
- He proved to be a worthy opponent in the championship.
- She proved to be a worthy opponent in the final match.
- They shook hands after the game, each acknowledging a worthy opponent.
- They shook hands, each recognizing the other as a worthy opponent.
- The champion finally met a truly worthy opponent.