The difference between Adversary and Opponent

When used as nouns, adversary means an opponent or rival, whereas opponent means one who opposes another.


Opponent is also adjective with the meaning: opposing.

check bellow for the other definitions of Adversary and Opponent

  1. Adversary as a noun:

    An opponent or rival.

  1. Opponent as a noun (historical):

    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. One who opposes another physically (in a fight, sport, game, or competition). One who opposes another in words (in a dispute, argument or controversy). One who is opposed or objects (to a policy, course of action or set of ideas). The participant who opens an academic debate by putting forward objections to a theological or philosophical thesis.

    Examples:

    "The person who ran against her in the last election proved to be a formidable opponent."

    "During the crackdown, many opponents of the regime were arrested."

    "She was a dedicated opponent of the death penalty."

  1. Opponent as an adjective (obsolete):

    Opposing; adverse; antagonistic.

  2. Opponent as an adjective (obsolete):

    Situated in front; opposite.