Word
opponent
Phoneticsop·po·nent, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈpoʊnənt/
UK/əpˈəʊnənt/
Definitions
01competitor in a game
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports
n. someone you play against in a sport or game.
n. a person or team that competes against another in a sporting contest or game.
“He shook hands with his opponent after the tennis match ended.”
“The grandmaster spent hours studying his opponent's previous matches to identify a weakness in her defensive strategy.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' or as a direct object in competitive contexts.
Synonyms
02political or ideological rival
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who disagrees with a plan, an idea, or a political leader.
n. a person who disagrees with or resists a proposal, policy, or political figure.
“The senator's political opponents criticized her new tax plan.”
“Leading opponents of the proposed highway argued that the environmental impact would be devastating for the local bird population.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'of' when referring to a specific policy or idea.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “opponent” in context.
Verb
01. defeat an opponent
“She managed to defeat her opponent after a grueling three-hour chess match.”
verb + noun
02. face an opponent
“The young boxer will face a much more experienced opponent in the finals next week.”
verb + noun
03. outmaneuver an opponent
“The lawyer successfully outmaneuvered his opponent by presenting a surprise witness.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. formidable opponent
“The reigning champion proved to be a formidable opponent, winning the match in straight sets.”
adj + noun
05. political opponent
“The senator spent the afternoon debating his political opponent on national television.”
adj + noun
06. worthy opponent
“Although he lost the game, he felt he had finally met a worthy opponent who pushed him to his limits.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. opponent of the reform
“As a vocal opponent of the reform, he organized several protests in the city center.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“The stream of photos and prison stories highlights the dangers for individuals framed as opponents of those in power.” “The prospect of a new spaceport spanning an area several times larger than Washington DC has alarmed some opponents in Pecan Island.” “City's starting shape here has looked like a 4-2-4 before players spring to press certain opponents when the moment is right.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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