noun
1 person who plays against sb
ADJECTIVE
▪ chief , main
▪ dangerous , tough
▪ worthy
VERB + OPPONENT
▪ attack , hit
▪ fight
▪ beat , defeat
▪ hold to sth ( AmE , sports )
▪
This season the team is holding ~s to 88.9 points per game.
▪ get past , outmanoeuvre/outmaneuver , outwit
▪ face
▪
Today she faces her toughest ~.
▪ tackle
▪ throw ( sports )
▪ knock down , knock out
▪
He has knocked out 15 ~s in 20 fights.
▪ bring down , foul ( esp. BrE )
2 sb who disagrees with sb's actions/plans/beliefs
ADJECTIVE
▪ chief , leading , main
▪ bitter , fierce , formidable , staunch , strong , vigorous
▪ outspoken , vocal , vociferous
▪
She's an outspoken opponenent of the government.
▪ worthy
▪ political