Showing results for oppose. Search instead for to oppose.

Synonyms

oppose

American

[uh-pohz] / əˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object)

to act against or provide resistance to; combat.

to vigorously oppose tyranny in every form.

Synonyms:

contravene, confront

Antonyms:

succumb, capitulate
to stand in the way of; hinder; obstruct.

Synonyms:

prevent
to set as an opponent or adversary.
to be hostile or adverse to, as in opinion.

to oppose a resolution in a debate.
to set as an obstacle or hindrance.
to set against in some relation, especially as to demonstrate a comparison or contrast.

to oppose advantages to disadvantages.
to use or take as being opposite or contrary.
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)

to be or act in opposition.

oppose British

/ əˈpəʊz, əˈpɒzɪtɪv /

verb

(tr) to fight against, counter, or resist strongly
(tr) to be hostile or antagonistic to; be against
(tr) to place or set in opposition; contrast or counterbalance
(tr) to place opposite or facing
(intr) to be or act in opposition

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Past

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing oppose

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Common Core Grades 7–8, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!

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.

See Examples For:

oppose opposes opposed opposing

Just over half of California’s likely voters oppose the ballot measure, while 42% support it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

His views echoed those of environmental groups that oppose deepening shipping channels.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

While the Native corporation that owns the land supports the venture, many tribal members and business owners oppose it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026

But Prince Ali's statement is indicative of the strength of feeling among the member associations that oppose Infantino.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

“We should talk when this is all over. Once you file your motion, I'll get back to you about whether I'll join it. We certainly won't oppose it.”

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Athletes.org, a nonprofit organization that advocates for college athletes’ rights, opposes the bill and continues to push for athletes to be allowed to unionize.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

But the Western States Petroleum Assn. trade group opposes that, saying it would penalize California refiners that have already invested in making the cleaner fuel.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

While the AFC opposes Infantino's plan, unlike Uefa it has not threatened to boycott Fifa competitions.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

In June, Muscat and Tehran said they would discuss imposing service fees, a move Washington opposes.

From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026

Anyone who opposes a military invasion, they argue, must be ignorant of the atrocities taking place.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Misuse of therapy speak, or the casual use of clinical psychology terms, is a pervasive problem, and one that therapists note actually shuts down communication, as opposed to improving it.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

"We have said from the outset that Unison is not opposed to reform of the health service," he said.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

Who could be opposed to bringing business, jobs, and tax revenue to rural northwest Missouri?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

“And those three things, in my reading of the Gospel, are diametrically opposed to the teachings of Jesus.”

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

Organizers in the temperance movement opposed the excessive consumption of alcohol, and most members objected to drinking any alcohol at all.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Protests against data centers and Flock cameras aren’t just about opposing AI, Tim Higgins writes for The Journal—they show a yearning for an American ideal without AI.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 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

This weekend Eckert's opposing manager will be Italian Alessio Dionisi, who he previously came up against during his time at Genoa while Dionisi was at Sassuolo.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

To a cultural journalist, however, it seems like he continues to make himself the best argument yet for opposing his company’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

There was a nail-hard strength in her, a lack of any compromise, a rightness in the face of all opposing wrongness, which made you hold her in a kind of awe but not in warmth.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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