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?
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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
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.
At a recent information session hosted by the county, about half of the people who delivered public comments were in favor of keeping the plant open, and half were vehemently opposed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026
On Proposition 42, 40% of voters backed the measure, and 37% opposed it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
“And those three things, in my reading of the Gospel, are diametrically opposed to the teachings of Jesus.”
From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026
Fermi ousted Neugebauer as CEO in April, leading to legal fights and a call by the executive, who is also a major shareholder, for changes that included possibly selling Fermi, an idea the company opposed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, which opposed police brutality and engaged in political and social programs in big cities, was founded that year too.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
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.
