opposed
Americanadjective
-
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.
-
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?
-
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.
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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
idioms
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Government attorneys also sent subpoenas seeking further documentation, said those familiar with the probe, a move that was opposed by the company’s lawyers.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
“This has been a supply-driven freight recovery as opposed to a demand-driven freight recovery,” Brown said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
The city has not publicly endorsed or opposed the ballot proposals backed by WOW, and Mayor James Butts declined to comment on those initiatives.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
SpaceX opposed the extension, arguing in a Feb. 3 letter to the FCC that Amazon’s request was “just its latest gambit to get special treatment at the expense of others.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
Brown did not end Jim Crow; a mass movement had to emerge first—one that aimed to create a new public consensus opposed to the evils of Jim Crow.
From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
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.
