OPPORTUNISM Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

opportunism

noun

Definition of opportunism

as in aggression

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of opportunism It will not be driven by reconstruction necessity, leveraged buyout logic or crisis opportunism. — Murthy Maddali, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Whether viewed as principled adaptation or political opportunism, Graham repeatedly aligned himself toward the direction South Carolina, Southern and Republican politics were moving. — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 Simmons, meanwhile, will receive his opportunities over the coming weeks — his legs and opportunism surely give him an excellent chance to take his first-ever Grand Tour stage win this July. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 7 July 2026 But Republican rival Steve Hilton slammed the group for political opportunism. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for opportunism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opportunism

Noun

Saturday's vote came as the small republic on NATO’s eastern flank contends with growing concern about potential Russian aggression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
For all their talent, the defining feature of London City Lionesses is their aggression without possession.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggression

Noun

Staff members treat patrons like family, a welcome departure from the pretentiousness that sometimes comes with more luxurious bookings.

— Joey Skladany, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Gabrielle and Katerina credit the enduring appeal of Dan Tana’s to its persistent lack of pretentiousness.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of pretentiousness

Noun

From his first moments onscreen in a performance of Duracell Bunny physicality and motormouth pushiness, Chalamet conveys the sense of a shameless young man willing himself toward greatness with a combination of chutzpah, amorality and unshakeable self-belief.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 1 Dec. 2025
Modi is as nationalistic as Xi, and is no doubt irritated at the confidence and pushiness of its great eastern neighbor.

— Kerry Brown, Time, 4 Sep. 2025

Definition of pushiness

Noun

Organizations tend to notice people who project assertiveness.

— Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 28 Sep. 2026
Under its five-year plan established in 2022, the country has doubled its defense spending to about 2% of its gross domestic product to build up its Self-Defense Forces’ offensive role to counter China’s growing assertiveness.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of assertiveness

Noun

San Diego had World Series aspirations coming into October, but Milwaukee flexed a better killer instinct to tear them to shreds.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Gakpo would add firepower to a Tottenham forward line that is technically gifted, but lacks a killer instinct in front of goal.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of killer instinct

Browse Nearby Words

opportuneness

opportunism

opportunist

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opportunism. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of opportunism

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Luddite

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes