oppose
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to act against or provide resistance to; combat.
to vigorously oppose tyranny in every form.
- Synonyms:
- contravene, confront
- Antonyms:
- succumb, capitulate
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to stand in the way of; hinder; obstruct.
- Synonyms:
- prevent
-
to set as an opponent or adversary.
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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)
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
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
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.
Twig's is the last manufacturer of Sun Drop to use returnable glass bottles as opposed to plastic.
From BBC
Franco had worked with Rio de Janeiro's city council to oppose housing developments in poorer neighbourhoods that were a source of income for militia groups.
From BBC
Voting tables show that while most Plaid Cymru and Labour MSs backed the vote, some ministers and senior figures in Plaid opposed the decision.
From BBC
"I think this is a good alternative in some ways, in that I get to keep more of the money I make as opposed to just never seeing it again," she said.
From BBC
My top staff didn’t disagree with my reading, but almost to a person they were opposed to my taking on the issue.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
