oppose
Americanverb (used with object)
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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
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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.
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to set as an obstacle or hindrance.
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to set against in some relation, especially as to demonstrate a comparison or contrast.
to oppose advantages to disadvantages.
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to use or take as being opposite or contrary.
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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
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(tr) to fight against, counter, or resist strongly
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(tr) to be hostile or antagonistic to; be against
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(tr) to place or set in opposition; contrast or counterbalance
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(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
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.
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.
A Gallup poll published last week concludes that 7 in 10 Americans oppose the construction of data centers in their area.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
The finance committees of parliament's two chambers, the National Assembly and the Senate, did not oppose Moulin, parliamentary sources told AFP.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
While both governments oppose what they view as "Western hegemony", their approaches to this can diverge.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
Small oil refiners oppose the bill, citing concerns about increased compliance costs and potential harm to small-refinery exemptions.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
I mentioned the case of Robey Leibbrandt, who set up an underground organization during the Second World War to oppose South Africa’s support for the Allies; he was sentenced to life imprisonment but soon pardoned.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
