What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competitor
Example
The athlete's main competitor in the race was from a rival team. [competitor: noun]
Example
Our company's biggest competitor in the market just released a new product. [competitor: noun]
Example
She sees her classmates as competitors for the top spot in the class. [competitors: plural noun]
opponent
Example
The boxer's opponent in the ring was much taller and heavier. [opponent: noun]
Example
The politician's opponent in the election had very different policies. [opponent: noun]
Example
The environmentalist saw the oil company as an opponent to their cause. [opponent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competitor is more commonly used than opponent in everyday language, especially in the context of sports or business. Opponent is less common and often has a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between competitor and opponent?
Both competitor and opponent are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
