opposing

American

[uh-poh-zing] / əˈpoʊ zɪŋ /

adjective

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Das helped develop a statement from the American Psychiatric Association opposing cannabis as a psychiatric treatment because there is currently no evidence showing it effectively treats psychiatric disorders.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

So when Hernández arrived with the Oklahoma City Comets to continue his rehab assignment on Tuesday, the opposing fans greeted him with a thunderous ovation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Harman said the force would "deploy very significant resources" to keep the opposing groups apart "to keep everybody safe".

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Prediction markets differ from traditional gambling firms by connecting two opposing bettors, rather than having bettors wager against the proverbial house.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

There, they could find a suspect among the council members opposing the bill.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023