NYT Dictionary

OPPONENT

/əˈpəʊ.nənt/
NounAdjectiveop-PO-nentop-po-nent · 3 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025

Meaning

One who opposes another; one who works or takes a position against someone or something; one who attempts to stop the progress of someone or something.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Borrowed from Latin oppōnēns (“opposing”), present active participle of oppōnō (“to oppose”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

oppadversaryantagonistoppositionoppositeopposerresisteropposingadversealien

Antonyms

supporterproponentadvocaterespondentagonist

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 8 recorded puzzles:

Join the Spelling Bee Community

Get solving strategies, rare word lists, and puzzle tips in your inbox every week.