1. a person who competes against or fights another in a contest, game, or argument
2. a person who disagrees with or resists a particular practice, policy, or belief

Examples

• The chess player studied her opponent’s moves carefully.
• Our team defeated their opponents 3-1 in the championship game.
• The boxer knocked out his opponent in the third round.
• She was a fierce opponent of the new tax policy.
• Political opponents criticized the mayor’s budget proposal.
• The debate featured two skilled opponents arguing different viewpoints.
• He respected his tennis opponent despite losing the match.