Synonyms

oppose

American

[uh-pohz] / əˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object)

to act against or provide resistance to; combat.

to vigorously oppose tyranny in every form.

Synonyms:

contravene, confront

Antonyms:

succumb, capitulate
to stand in the way of; hinder; obstruct.

Synonyms:

prevent
to set as an opponent or adversary.
to be hostile or adverse to, as in opinion.

to oppose a resolution in a debate.
to set as an obstacle or hindrance.
to set against in some relation, especially as to demonstrate a comparison or contrast.

to oppose advantages to disadvantages.
to use or take as being opposite or contrary.
to set (something) over against something else in place, or to set (two things) so as to face or be opposite to one another.

verb (used without object)

to be or act in opposition.

oppose British

/ əˈpəʊz, əˈpɒzɪtɪv /

verb

(tr) to fight against, counter, or resist strongly
(tr) to be hostile or antagonistic to; be against
(tr) to place or set in opposition; contrast or counterbalance
(tr) to place opposite or facing
(intr) to be or act in opposition

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

Oppose, resist, withstand imply setting up a force against something. The difference between oppose and resist is somewhat similar to the one between offensive and defensive action. To oppose is mainly to fight against, in order to thwart, certain tendencies or procedures of which one does not approve: The lobbyists opposed the passage of the bill. Resist suggests that the subject is already threatened by the forces, or by the imminent possibility, against which they struggle: Our religion requires us to resist temptation. Whereas oppose always suggests an attitude of great disapproval, resist may imply an inner struggle in which the will is divided: She tried unsuccessfully to resist her craving for ice cream. Withstand generally implies successful resistance; it may refer to endurance that allows one to emerge unharmed ( to withstand a shock ), as well as to active resistance: The fort should be able to withstand an aerial attack.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of oppose

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French opposer, blend of Latin oppōnere “to set against” and Old French poser “to pose, place,” associated with the Latin past participle oppositus; see pose ¹

Explanation

To oppose something is to go against it or fight hard to stop it. A senator might oppose a bill, or a teen might oppose authority. Words starting with opp-, like opposite, opponent, and oppose, usually hint that there's a disagreement somewhere. You might oppose a decision if you don't agree with it or if it's the opposite of what you believe or know is right. Sometimes, though, to oppose just means to be on the other team.

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Vocabulary lists containing oppose

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)

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Common Core Grades 7–8, List 1

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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.

See Examples For:

oppose opposes opposed opposing

If the sanctions fail, Bessent's announcement could strengthen those inside Iran who oppose a deal with the US.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

It is as if she had been wrested away by a natural force, scarcely understood, but so powerful that it stays the hands raised by the putti, who seem to want to oppose Zeus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

But associations representing hundreds of residents oppose the change over potential disruption and increased noise affecting those living nearby.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

Hotel companies and the unions representing hotel workers oppose expanding the short-term rental market out of existing housing stock.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

It was an odd and vain wish, but no one could think of any grounds to oppose it.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Postal Service, and, the mail was returned as undeliverable, which Cohen’s office opposes including in the measure.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026

They said the university stood for "respect for human dignity and opposes discrimination, hatred and racism".

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

China has denied the allegations, previously insisting it opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

The movie also does for food something like what “Sideways” did for wine, though it opposes culinary pretense with its depiction of modest, unheralded excellence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

“Rose-Meta opposes the idea that kinky hair is inferior. Her philosophy is that there is beauty in everyone,” I read.

From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China was firmly opposed to what it called "illegal unilateral sanctions" and would take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its rights.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

But the Writers Guild of America and Teamsters have steadfastly opposed the merger, warning about its potential impact on working writers and film crews.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026

South Korea’s president publicly opposed the withdrawal of U.S. air defense assets this spring from his country.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

Robert Garza, the GOP candidate for House District 74 — which includes the Big Bend region —told the Tribune he opposed a wall there.

From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2026

“LORE uses the term self-sufficient museum. They have several of these. This is an older version of a virtual assistant. She uses a projection processor, as opposed to an integrated processor.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

The researchers found that older adults are more likely to activate opposing muscles around the ankle at the same time.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

Fans of the opposing Golden State Valkyries cheered Carrington’s return to Chase Center after the outrage over her Aug. 8 flagrant foul against Cunningham.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

The poll found that 35% of likely voters supported Proposition 41, with 37% opposing it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

This weekend Eckert's opposing manager will be Italian Alessio Dionisi, who he previously came up against during his time at Genoa while Dionisi was at Sassuolo.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

Fifteen minutes later they were back in the glassed-in room, staring at each other from opposing seats.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023