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.
-
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.
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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.
As bond yields continued higher on Friday, the market appeared headed for a tug-of-war between two powerful opposing forces.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 18, 2026
Although these hormones normally exert opposing effects, their coordinated activity during this stage contributes to increased growth hormone release.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 17, 2026
Many include AI depictions of opposing candidates, and even more lack disclaimers about the use of the tech.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
That case — detailed in a recent motion by prosecutors opposing bail for the couple and a spokesperson for the L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
African American leader Booker T. Washington shared this view, opposing suffrage on the grounds that giving women the vote would undermine their moral and domestic influence.
From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler
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