Definitions and Examples of opponent, adversary, rival
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
A person who competes against another in a contest, game, or conflict.
Example
He faced a tough opponent in the final round of the tournament.
A person who opposes or resists another in a conflict, dispute, or debate.
Example
The lawyer cross-examined the witness as if he were an adversary.
A person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.
Example
The two companies were fierce rivals in the smartphone market.
Key Differences: opponent vs adversary vs rival
- 1Opponent is used to describe someone who competes against another in a contest, game, or conflict.
- 2Adversary is used to describe someone who opposes or resists another in a conflict, dispute, or debate.
- 3Rival is used to describe someone or something competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.
Effective Usage of opponent, adversary, rival
- 1Debate: Use opponent and adversary to describe someone who disagrees with your point of view.
- 2Sports: Use opponent and rival to describe the other team or player you are competing against.
- 3Business: Use rival to describe a company or product that competes with yours in the same market.
Remember this!
The antonyms of crony are opponent, adversary, and rival. These words convey a sense of opposition or competition, unlike crony, which implies a close friendship or alliance. Use these words to describe someone who disagrees with your point of view, the other team or player you are competing against, or a company or product that competes with yours in the same market.