opposed
Americanadjective
-
hostile or resistant (usually followed byto ).
At a town hall meeting about the proposed desalination plant, most speakers were opposed, citing high costs and the effect on marine life.
Some educators are opposed to bringing new media tools into classes, viewing them as a potential distraction for students.
-
having contrary effects; operating at cross-purposes.
How do we interpret these seemingly opposed trends—away from organized religion and toward the formation of strong spiritual beliefs?
-
set against or contrasted with something else or with each other; viewed as contrary or competing.
The opposed images on the book’s title page represent the two very different understandings of “home” featured in the narrative.
-
situated, existing, or growing in opposite directions.
There are two diametrically opposed arrows on the signpost, and we have no idea which one to follow.
verb
idioms
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opposed
First recorded in 1450–1500; oppose ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Explanation
When things are opposed, they're against each other. Two teams playing against each other are opposed; so are two sides in a war. If you're opposed, you're usually up against an opponent or opposing side. Politicians often talk about being opposed to one law and in favor of another. If someone is against higher taxes, they're opposed to higher taxes. Someone on the other side is opposed to lower taxes. But you could also simply be opposed to something like breakfast before 10 am.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released Thursday found that eight in 10 Americans opposed the livestreaming of the execution.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
Speakers were overwhelmingly opposed to the project, citing a range of health and environmental concerns.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
During a recent community event, Tammabattula said he tried to speak one-on-one with a woman who was vociferously opposed to the project.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
“It’s a revenue bond,” he said, “as opposed to a general-obligation bond.”
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026
Almost every demonstration has been accompanied by protests and even confrontations staged by those opposed to the movement.
From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
