oppose

[uh-pohz]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR oppose ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), op·posed, op·pos·ing.

to act against or provide resistance to; combat.

to stand in the way of; hinder; obstruct.

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), op·posed, op·pos·ing.

to be or act in opposition.

Origin of oppose

1350–1400; Middle English < Old French opposer, blend of Latin oppōnere to set against and Old French poser to pose¹, associated with the L past participle oppositus

Related formsop·pos·er, nounop·pos·ing·ly, adverbnon·op·pos·ing, adjectivepre·op·pose, verb (used with object), pre·op·posed, pre·op·pos·ing.pre·op·posed, adjectivequa·si-op·posed, adjectivere·op·pose, verb (used with object), re·op·posed, re·op·pos·ing.un·op·posed, adjectiveun·op·pos·ing, adjective

Synonyms for oppose

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR oppose ON THESAURUS.COM

1. confront, contravene. Oppose, resist, withstand imply setting up a force against something. The difference between oppose and resist is somewhat that 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 he or she struggles: to resist temptation. Again, 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 the temptation to eat dessert. 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: to withstand an attack. 2. prevent. 4. contradict.

Antonyms for oppose

1. support, help.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for opposed

inimical, hostile, opposing, averse, antithetical, disputed, anti, conflicting, repelling, clashing, crossing, counter, rival, facing, warring, battling, combating, denying, exposing

Examples from the Web for opposed

Contemporary Examples of opposed

Thirty-six percent were in favor and 38 percent were opposed.
How the PC Police Threaten Free Speech
Nick Gillespie
January 9, 2015
The group puts out most of its statements—on its Twitter feed, or its numerous websites—in Arabic, as opposed to Baluchi or Farsi.
The Dangerous Drug-Funded Secret War Between Iran and Pakistan
Umar Farooq
December 29, 2014
The NRA opposed a new California law that will help prevent gun deaths, homicides and suicides both.
The NRA’s Twisted List for Santa
John Feinblatt
December 23, 2014
Try 21 times more likely—31 per million as opposed to 1.5 per million for whites.
The NY Police Union’s Vile War with Mayor De Blasio
Michael Tomasky
December 21, 2014
This is a story that celebrates difference, as opposed to the story of a dysfunctional kid.
The Brit Who Stormed Broadway
Tim Teeman
December 7, 2014

Historical Examples of opposed

To some features of the Bill he was opposed, but was in favor of its principle.
The Grand Old Man
Richard B. Cook
The flying machine must move faster than the air to which it is opposed.
Flying Machines
W.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
Crystals of iodine as opposed to permanganate of potash for antiseptic he discussed.
The Leopard Woman
Stewart Edward White
"Nobody ever opposed Eudora Yates except her own self," replied Abby.
The Yates Pride
Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
The testimony of two credible witnesses as opposed to that of only one.
The Devil's Dictionary
Ambrose Bierce

British Dictionary definitions for opposed

oppose

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

Derived Formsopposer, nounopposing, adjectiveopposingly, adverboppositive (əˈpɒzɪtɪv), adjective

Word Origin for oppose

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

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

Word Origin and History for opposed

oppose

late 14c., from Old French oposer "oppose, resist, rival; contradict, state opposing point of view" (12c.), from poser "to place, lay down" (see pose (v.1)), blended with Latin opponere "oppose, object to, set against" (see opponent). Related: Opposed; opposing.