noun

pone

An opponent in a game or argument.

The dealer watches the pone closely as the game continues.

Etymology

Pone is a shortening of opponent. It preserves the longer word’s meaning of someone on the other side of a contest or dispute.

More examples

  • The pone studies her cards before making a move.
  • He defeats the same pone in three straight games.
  • She listens to her pone's argument before responding.

Forms

pone · pones

Similar words

opponent
The ordinary term for someone competing or arguing against another.
adversary
Suggests stronger opposition or conflict than a game necessarily involves.
rival
Often suggests ongoing competition rather than a single encounter.