oppositional

[ op-uh-zish-uh-nl ]

/ ˌɒp əˈzɪʃ ə nl /

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See synonyms for oppositional on Thesaurus.com

adjective

opposing, resisting, or combating; expressing a view or stance against something or someone: In experimental film one often finds an oppositional attitude toward mainstream culture, and a desire to forge an alternative.

expressing antagonism or hostility: Learning effective coping skills can reduce the negative influences of anger, oppositional behavior, and poor impulse control.

relating to or being in a contrastive, symmetrical, or complementary two-way relation: This remote-controlled wooden floor lamp is a simple, efficient, seemingly oppositional pairing of the natural and technological.

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Rarely op·po·si·tion·ar·y .

Origin of oppositional

opposition + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM oppositional

un·op·po·si·tion·al, adjective

Words nearby oppositional

opposite field, opposite number, opposite prompt, opposite sex, opposition, oppositional, oppositional defiant disorder, oppositionist, opposition research, oppress, oppressed

How to use oppositional in a sentence

It did so because, from the beginning, its targets were not only Obama, whom it saw as an illegitimate president, but because it regarded as a quisling any Republican whose opposition to Obama was not strong, outraged or effective enough.
The Republican Party’s future: Being terrorized by its unhinged base|Paul Waldman|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
During a public hearing last month, the Oahu Surfrider Foundation and Sierra Club testified in opposition to the renovations, as did neighbors concerned about the potential impact of the project on the beach fronting their properties.
Oceanfront Property Tied to Obama Granted Exemption From Hawaii’s Environmental Laws|by Sophie Cocke, Honolulu Star-Advertiser|November 18, 2020|ProPublica
This opposition became so pronounced in the summer that online shops sold fake “mask exemption” cards, labeled with stolen Justice Department imagery, by the hundreds.
Wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting other people, the CDC says. It can help you — and might prevent lockdowns.|Ben Guarino, Lena H. Sun, Ariana Eunjung Cha|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
Talks are now set to start Monday afternoon, and opposition parties have already said they’re unlikely to give their support.
Denmark’s prime minister says its mink population will be culled—but she’s facing political resistance|kdunn6|November 9, 2020|Fortune

In Assembly District 77, Republican June Cutter Yang, an employment attorney, made her opposition to AB 5 central to her campaign.
Sacramento Report: 3 Election Takeaways|Sara Libby|November 6, 2020|Voice of San Diego
That enemies—like the formerly oppositional de Klerk—can become allies.
The Meaning of Mandela|Joshua DuBois|June 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The problem with being really satisfied with an oppositional strategy is that it makes it awfully hard to be for something.
Don't Become THAT Party, Republicans|Justin Green|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I was never diagnosed with disorders like Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome.
I Was Adam Lanza, Part 2|David Frum|December 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST
After a battery of psychological tests, Sean had been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder.
Should Juvenile Criminals Be Sentenced Like Adults?|Clark Merrefield|November 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Or it can fall victim to the minefield of oppositional street politics.
Occupy Oakland’s Violent Turn Proves the Movement Has Lost Its Way|Christopher Haugh|January 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
To this normal state of oppositional contraction the name "muscular tonicity" is given.
The Psychology of Singing|David C. Taylor
Thereupon the oppositional elements increased in numbers and displayed a marked combative disposition.
The Inside Story Of The Peace Conference|Emile Joseph Dillon
Oppositional splendour is there, and the stained radiance of a Bachian chorale.
Unicorns|James Huneker
He reveals a genuine feeling for his subjects, and always tries to introduce into his works a simple oppositional line.
Modern Painting, Its Tendency and Meaning|Willard Huntington Wright
The oppositional Evening Journal has missed a capital opportunity of weeping over the barbarity of the soldateska.
Library of the World's Best literature, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 12|Various