- present participle of oppose.
opposing
Americanadjective
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fighting or acting against something or someone.
The Taoist concept of health is harmony between the opposing forces of the natural world—between yin and yang.
Humane treatment of prisoners ensured that many combatants in the opposing army preferred captivity over death in battle.
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of or being a player, team, participant, etc., competing against another in a game or contest.
If a game is rained out, reschedule a makeup date with the opposing captain.
The single most important reason citizens voted that year was to ensure that the opposing candidate lost.
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being, expressing, or supporting a hostile or conflicting opinion, proposal, etc..
The reporters responsible for those stories failed to balance their coverage with an opposing view.
One faction wants to return us to the 1950s, while the opposing faction wants to adapt to the 21st century.
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standing in the way of someone or something; being or providing a hindrance.
Sometimes, despite all opposing circumstances, a painful step or two of progress will be achieved.
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facing something else, or moving in the other direction.
We waited as the opposing traffic cleared, and then it was our turn to go.
The rails are to be mounted parallel to one another on opposing walls of the cargo area.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of opposing
First recorded in 1580–90, as a noun; oppos(e) ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )
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.
The agency is expected to proceed with the plan despite receiving tens of thousands of comment letters opposing it, The Wall Street Journal reported in July.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
The researchers found that older adults are more likely to activate opposing muscles around the ankle at the same time.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026
Fans of the opposing Golden State Valkyries cheered Carrington’s return to Chase Center after the outrage over her Aug. 8 flagrant foul against Cunningham.
From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026
The poll found that 35% of likely voters supported Proposition 41, with 37% opposing it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
The committees voted 31–1 in favor of the resolution, with only Morse opposing.
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
