opponents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opponents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or groups who are in opposition to each other, particularly in a competitive context such as sports, debates, or political situations. Example: "The two opponents faced off in the final match, each determined to claim victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can't choose our opponents.

The Guardian

Obama was pointing to the bipartisan effort to get the program launched in Massachusetts to encourage his opponents to stop rooting for his law's failure.

The Guardian

In 1999 the compliant parliament voted for Niyazov to become president for life, and in 2002, he used an alleged assassination attempt to legitimise a far-reaching crackdown on political opponents.

The Guardian

A much larger man tried to assault Ayarci, 26, and had to be stopped by other "Obamacare" opponents.

The Guardian

Also, the supporters of the reforms have appropriated "Obamacare" – originally intended as a derisive label by its opponents – and are now using it with enthusiasm.

The Guardian

"We have won every game, which is fantastic when you see our opponents".

The Guardian - Sport

Adding insult to injury, their opponents' winner was set up by a player in an offside position.

The Guardian - Sport

Amos is the first senior international figure to visit Baba Amr since the Syrian government launched an assault against its opponents.

The Guardian

He was brought in to fill the gap left by the departure of George Ford for Bath – Leicester's opponents on Sunday – when Ford tired of playing second fiddle to the man he could well replace in the England team when Flood moves to France in the summer, probably to Toulouse, although that is yet to be confirmed.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's difficult to still have pressure every time you step on the court against some opponents," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

Clegg then mocked one of the Tories' central campaign messages – that they offer competence rather than the chaos of their opponents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure that the term "opponents" is used consistently and clearly to avoid ambiguity. Define who the "opponents" are early in your text.

Common error

Avoid repeating "opponents" too frequently within a single paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The term "opponents" primarily functions as a plural noun. It denotes multiple individuals or groups who are in opposition or competition with each other. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opponents" is a grammatically correct and very common plural noun used to describe individuals or groups in opposition or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad acceptance. Its usage spans from formal news reports to informal discussions. Synonyms like "rivals" and "adversaries" can add nuance. Remember to avoid overuse in close proximity and ensure clarity in formal writing. Predominantly featured in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adversaries

A more formal term for opponents, often used in legal or political contexts.

rivals

Suggests a competitive relationship, often in sports or business.

antagonists

Implies a more active and hostile opposition.

challengers

Focuses on the act of competing or contesting.

contenders

Highlights the aspect of striving for a goal against others.

opposers

Directly indicates those who are against something.

opposition

Refers to the group or entity that opposes.

competitors

Specifically denotes those in a business or market rivalry.

foes

A more dramatic or literary term for enemies.

combatants

Implies a physical or direct conflict.

FAQs

How to use "opponents" in a sentence?

You can use "opponents" to describe individuals or groups competing against each other. For example, "The team faced tough "opponents" in the final round."

What can I say instead of "opponents"?

You can use alternatives like "rivals", "adversaries", or "competitors" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "opponents" or "opposers"?

"Opponents" is the more common and generally preferred term. "Opposers" is also correct but less frequently used and can sound awkward in some contexts.

What's the difference between "opponents" and "competitors"?

"Opponents" generally refers to anyone who is against you or your cause, while "competitors" specifically refers to those vying for the same goal, such as in business or sports.