opposed

American  

[uh-pohzd] / əˈpoʊzd /

adjective

1. hostile or resistant (usually followed byto ).

   At a town hall meeting about the proposed desalination plant, most speakers were opposed, citing high costs and the effect on marine life.

   Some educators are opposed to bringing new media tools into classes, viewing them as a potential distraction for students.

2. having contrary effects; operating at cross-purposes.

   How do we interpret these seemingly opposed trends—away from organized religion and toward the formation of strong spiritual beliefs?

3. set against or contrasted with something else or with each other; viewed as contrary or competing.

   The opposed images on the book’s title page represent the two very different understandings of “home” featured in the narrative.

4. situated, existing, or growing in opposite directions.

   There are two diametrically opposed arrows on the signpost, and we have no idea which one to follow.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of oppose.

idioms

1. as opposed to, in contrast to; rather than.

   The new boss is intuitive as opposed to analytical, and conflict-shy as opposed to aggressive.

Other Word Forms

• preopposed adjective
• quasi-opposed adjective
• unopposed adjective

Etymology

Origin of opposed

First recorded in 1450–1500; oppose ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

When things are opposed, they're against each other. Two teams playing against each other are opposed; so are two sides in a war. If you're opposed, you're usually up against an opponent or opposing side. Politicians often talk about being opposed to one law and in favor of another. If someone is against higher taxes, they're opposed to higher taxes. Someone on the other side is opposed to lower taxes. But you could also simply be opposed to something like breakfast before 10 am.

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, a farmer who opposed a proposal in Oklahoma was arrested for tresspassing after he spoke slightly longer than three minutes during public comment at a council meeting.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Vance was the senior administration figure most opposed to the war, as a big New York Times story this week—for which Vance should’ve been given a byline—explained in detail.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Many are opposed to interventions abroad so will be watching his trip closely for clues about how he might handle foreign policy if he runs for president in 2028.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“It’s important to develop mining in Argentina that is compatible with environmental controls, but not at any price,” said Congressman Maximiliano Ferraro, who opposed the law.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

This statement was strongly opposed by the others, and Constance was elected to speak for them.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• anti
• antithetical
• averse
• disputed
• hostile
• inimical
• opposing