opposed

[uh-pohzd]

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.

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• preopposed adjective
• quasi-opposed adjective
• unopposed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of opposed¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Many Arab governments believe the enclave needs to be overseen by the Palestinian Authority, which governs much of the West Bank, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is strongly opposed to allowing it a role.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A practice the council and police have long since opposed when done without permission.

Read more on BBC

Listening to the show as opposed to watching has made me a lot more sympathetic to the more awkward or surprised reveals.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The survey also indicated that hiring remains largely on hold, and that any investments by companies are focused on repairs as opposed to expanding production.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Brazil's environment minister, Marina Silva, has opposed oil exploration in the Amazon region.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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