opportunism

noun

Definition of opportunismnext
as in aggression

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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 opportunism At the same time, Bhumjaithai’s vacuous opportunism reflects a new form of realpolitik that appears much more durable than previous iterations. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 Hong was counting on moderate voters not noticing the change, or at least not seeing her metamorphosis as little more than political opportunism. — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for opportunism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opportunism
  1. aggression
  2. competitiveness
  3. pretentiousness
  4. pushiness
  5. assertiveness
  6. daring
  7. motivation
  8. killer instinct
Noun
  • On the contrary, airpower remains the most potent piece of the United States’ conventional forces, as well as its main source of both deterrent capacity and warfighting advantage against conventional aggression by hostile states.
    — Justin Bronk, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Publicly sharing Hasan’s death is unlikely to deter future acts of monstrous aggression, as Hegseth claims.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of aggression
Noun
  • Brown chose competitiveness, something Brooklyn can show well before anyone knows its final record.
    — C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Microsoft closed at a record high Tuesday for the first time in nearly a year, completing a remarkable comeback after shares plunged more than a third on concerns about AI spending and Copilot's competitiveness.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of competitiveness
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
  • One person sees confidence while someone else sees pushiness.
    — Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • From this year, the program will recognize three winners in each discipline for technical skill and creative daring.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Some of the ways that Tresnjak ups the ante on that daring have diminishing returns.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of daring
Noun
  • Rational motivations like eco-consciousness, economic pragmatism, and technophilia inform EV purchases.
    — Peter Gaston, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Cardellini was also intrigued by the chance to develop Pamela’s unique motivation throughout the series.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivation
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
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Cite this Entry

“Opportunism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opportunism. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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