oppose

[ uh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, op·posed, op·pos·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, op·posed, op·pos·ing.

1. to be or act in opposition.

oppose

/ 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

Derived Forms

• opˈposingly, adverb
• opˈposer, noun
• oppositive, adjective
• opˈposing, adjective

Other Words From

• op·pos·er noun
• pre·op·pose verb (used with object) preopposed preopposing
• re·op·pose verb (used with object) reopposed reopposing

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppose¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppose¹

C14: via Old French from Latin oppōnere, from ob- against + pōnere to place

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Much like they did with Roy Hibbert before, the Pacers’ guards funnel opposing ball-handlers into the lane, allowing them to challenge Turner at the rim.

From FiveThirtyEight

By contrast, support for recalling Davis was more or less reversed, as surveys found around 50 percent backed the recall while around 40 percent opposed it.

From FiveThirtyEight

Kuntzler said he strongly opposes changing the club’s name, saying a new name would take away the club’s identity as an important LGBTQ Democratic Party organization for over 40 years.

From Washington Blade

Ultimately, a small minority of users who question or outright oppose the vaccine threaten to drown out accurate information about the vaccine being spread through its platform.

From Vox

Some towns and state lawmakers have tried in the past, but their attempts were opposed by the unions.

From ProPublica

So far, just four members, including Gohmert and Yoho, have announced they will oppose Boehner on Tuesday.

From The Daily Beast

But his words felt forced and were belied his 2004 vote to oppose marking Martin Luther King Jr.

From The Daily Beast

Therefore, some Democrats are under pressure to take policy actions their union allies oppose.

From The Daily Beast

There is no such thing as a gay lifestyle, except in right-wing propaganda to oppose LGBT equality.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes politicians oppose reform for nefarious reasons—to protect a special interest or a major donor, for example.

From The Daily Beast

"But I cannot permit you to oppose yourself to a sword two inches longer than your own," cried Gaubert, almost in a temper.

From Project Gutenberg

He was ordered to Besanon to take command of the troops there, and to help oppose Napoleon's advance on Paris.

From Project Gutenberg

By men the laws of a nation may be altered without being made contradictory to one another, or to oppose the law of God.

From Project Gutenberg

Though as strong as the enemy, General Daendals made the most feeble attempt to oppose the landing.

From Project Gutenberg

She would sooner have cut off her hand than oppose her, but she could not cast herself on her neck as she often wished to do.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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