oppose
Americanverb (used with object)
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to act against or provide resistance to; combat.
to vigorously oppose tyranny in every form.
- Synonyms:
- contravene, confront
- Antonyms:
- succumb, capitulate
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to stand in the way of; hinder; obstruct.
- Synonyms:
- prevent
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to set as an opponent or adversary.
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to be hostile or adverse to, as in opinion.
to oppose a resolution in a debate.
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to set as an obstacle or hindrance.
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to set against in some relation, especially as to demonstrate a comparison or contrast.
to oppose advantages to disadvantages.
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to use or take as being opposite or contrary.
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to set (something) over against something else in place, or to set (two things) so as to face or be opposite to one another.
verb (used without object)
verb
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(tr) to fight against, counter, or resist strongly
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(tr) to be hostile or antagonistic to; be against
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(tr) to place or set in opposition; contrast or counterbalance
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(tr) to place opposite or facing
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(intr) to be or act in opposition
Synonym Usage
Oppose, resist, withstand imply setting up a force against something. The difference between oppose and resist is somewhat similar to the one between offensive and defensive action. To oppose is mainly to fight against, in order to thwart, certain tendencies or procedures of which one does not approve: The lobbyists opposed the passage of the bill. Resist suggests that the subject is already threatened by the forces, or by the imminent possibility, against which they struggle: Our religion requires us to resist temptation. Whereas oppose always suggests an attitude of great disapproval, resist may imply an inner struggle in which the will is divided: She tried unsuccessfully to resist her craving for ice cream. Withstand generally implies successful resistance; it may refer to endurance that allows one to emerge unharmed ( to withstand a shock ), as well as to active resistance: The fort should be able to withstand an aerial attack.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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opposesimple
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opposessimple
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have opposedperfect
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has opposedperfect
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am opposingprogressive
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are opposingprogressive
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is opposingprogressive
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have been opposingperfect progressive
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has been opposingperfect progressive
Past
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opposedsimple
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had opposedperfect
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was opposingprogressive
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were opposingprogressive
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had been opposingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of oppose
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French opposer, blend of Latin oppōnere “to set against” and Old French poser “to pose, place,” associated with the Latin past participle oppositus; see pose 1
Explanation
To oppose something is to go against it or fight hard to stop it. A senator might oppose a bill, or a teen might oppose authority. Words starting with opp-, like opposite, opponent, and oppose, usually hint that there's a disagreement somewhere. You might oppose a decision if you don't agree with it or if it's the opposite of what you believe or know is right. Sometimes, though, to oppose just means to be on the other team.
Vocabulary lists containing oppose
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
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Common Core Grades 7–8, List 1
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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.
It is reprisal and revenge against a group that had the temerity to oppose hate wherever it originates.
From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026
In 1765, when Britain tried to enforce onerous fees on newspaper ads, “Sons of Liberty” groups rose up to oppose it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
Head theater lobbyist Michael O’Leary said his trade group will continue to oppose the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
Teachers have voted to oppose the introduction of a new compulsory reading test for Year 8 pupils in England at the National Education Union's annual conference in Brighton.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
Step forth and give your assistance in building the Frigate to oppose French insolence and piracy.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
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.
