oppose

American  

[uh-pohz] / əˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object)

opposed, opposing

1. to act against or provide resistance to; combat.

   to vigorously oppose tyranny in every form.

   Synonyms:

   contravene, confront

   Antonyms:

   succumb, capitulate

2. to stand in the way of; hinder; obstruct.

   Synonyms:

   prevent

3. to set as an opponent or adversary.

4. to be hostile or adverse to, as in opinion.

   to oppose a resolution in a debate.

5. to set as an obstacle or hindrance.

6. to set against in some relation, especially as to demonstrate a comparison or contrast.

   to oppose advantages to disadvantages.

7. to use or take as being opposite or contrary.

8. to set (something) over against something else in place, or to set (two things) so as to face or be opposite to one another.

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verb (used without object)

opposed, opposing

1. to be or act in opposition.

oppose British  

/ əˈpəʊz, əˈpɒzɪtɪv /

verb

1. (tr) to fight against, counter, or resist strongly

2. (tr) to be hostile or antagonistic to; be against

3. (tr) to place or set in opposition; contrast or counterbalance

4. (tr) to place opposite or facing

5. (intr) to be or act in opposition

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Related Words

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

• opposer noun
• opposing adjective
• opposingly adverb
• oppositive adjective
• preoppose verb (used with object)
• reoppose verb (used with object)

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; 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.

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for the force told BBC Scotland they expect Lyons to arrive in Spain in two to three weeks, though that could take longer if he were to oppose extradition.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

A survey conducted by Harvard’s undergrad student government found that about 94% of students oppose the policy to cap A’s, based on over 800 responses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Groups that oppose the plant want to make sure that doesn’t happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Traditional finance firms and Sifma oppose a broad exemption, citing investor protection concerns and potential profit erosion.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

The young man had been the first admirer, but she trusted there was no other hold, and that there would be no serious difficulty, on Harriet’s side, to oppose any friendly arrangement of her own.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• argue
• assail
• attack
• debate
• defy
• deny
• disagree
• dispute
• face
• fight
• prevent
• protest
• resist