OPPORTUNISTIC Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

opportunistic

adjective

Definition of opportunistic

as in aggressive

attentive to and ready to act on opportunities for personal gain or advancement The opportunistic salesperson was always on the lookout for potential new customers.

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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 opportunistic Family offices were able to make opportunistic plays in oil and gas in the years after the Covid pandemic as traditional investors backed away from the sector due to pressure from environmentally conscious stakeholders. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026 According to Professor Jones, the tapestry gives us not just a story of a proud, self-regarding, opportunistic man (Harold) who overstretches himself. — Mark Rice-Oxley, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026 Wasserman Schultz’s decision to run in the historically Black 20th Congressional District was selfish and opportunistic carpetbagging, a devastating usurpation of power from Black Floridians. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Because coverage expanded far faster than state oversight guardrails, opportunistic bad actors rushed in to exploit the system. — Richard Popiel, Boston Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opportunistic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opportunistic

Adjective

Of course, Carleton said, not every patient will want that, and people with aggressive disease may need every intense treatment, test, and appointment.

— Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
His daughter, Stephanie, told Deadline that Carbone died August 28 of cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

— Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of aggressive

Adjective

There are no straightforward steps like in the days when a diligent worker could land a job at a good company, work hard to get promoted and hope to climb the corporate ladder.

— Julia Carpenter, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Edwards said Brown was diligent in going to work and didn’t worry about the weather at all.

— Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of diligent

Adjective

Ilaria, a 30-year-old aspiring fashion designer who works in retail, has her eyes on the yellow silk camisole, which sold out online.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
The couple married in 2008, and Siebel Newsom was quickly cast in the role of stabilizing force, an attractive, wealthy, and engaged political partner for an aspiring politician.

— Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of aspiring

Adjective

Loosehead Boris Wenger and backrow Joaquin Moro were industrious and both scored tries while fullback Geronimo Piscatelli was a constant attacking threat, scoring one try and missing two others.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Alongside his final-third prowess, Fernandes was industrious across the pitch, playing eight passes into the final third per game, more than any other United player.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of industrious

Adjective

From an honorary Founding Father to an enterprising immigrant, the meaning of Columbus to the Americas is diverse and ever-changing.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026
Bridget also proves to be an enterprising young woman, negotiating a higher salary for herself within seconds of accepting the new job.

— Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of enterprising

Adjective

There can be two women who are strong and dynamic, who are, at points, up against each other or bumping heads, but have the same mission and goal.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Currently, however, AI is primarily being used for ICE and other surveillance, drone warfare targeting and potential dynamic pricing at places like McDonald’s.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of dynamic

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

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Synonyms of opportunistic

adjective

Example Sentences

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