opposition

noun

op·​po·​si·​tion ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən 

1

: a configuration (see configuration sense 1b) in which one celestial (see celestial entry 1 sense 2) body is opposite another (such as the sun) in the sky or in which the elongation (see elongation sense 1) is near or equal to 180 degrees

2

: the relation between two propositions having the same subject and predicate but differing in quantity or quality or both

3

: an act of setting opposite or over against : the condition of being so set

He spoke in opposition to the new law.

4

: hostile or contrary action or condition

offered strong opposition to the advance of the enemy

5

a

: something that opposes

specifically : a body of persons opposing something

Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.

b

often capitalized : a political party opposing and prepared to replace the party in power

The opposition is likely to win the upcoming election.

oppositional

ˌä-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• defiance
• resistance

Examples of opposition in a Sentence

They're going ahead with the plans despite strong opposition from residents.

The nominee faces strong opposition in the Senate.

The proposed change has met with opposition from the town's business leaders.

Rebels have so far offered little opposition to advancing troops.

Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.

The coach advised her team not to underestimate the opposition.

The leader of the Opposition criticized the prime minister for his comments.

Recent Examples on the Web

The election results revealed a clear public sentiment, with the majority of people in the state disagreeing with Sen. Kevin Cramer’s opposition to Measure 1. —Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 June 2024

Proponents such as Stop the Water Steal — a group that has formed in response to and opposition of the plans to pipe water from the Lafayette area down to the LEAP District in Lebanon — describe these bills as crucial in advancing the protection of Indiana’s water resources. —Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 12 June 2024

Prior to the vote, the public comment period ran almost 90 minutes, with 53 people appearing before the council either in person or by telephone, voicing often passionate support or opposition to the Power San Diego proposal. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2024

How Putin Will Respond to Russia’s Protests Russia’s opposition is waiting to see how the Kremlin will respond to the recent protests. —Anton Barbashin, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English opposicioun "location opposite something, contrary opinion, opposition of celestial bodies," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French oposicion (Anglo-French opposicion "objection, questioning"), borrowed from Medieval Latin oppositiōn-, oppositiō, going back to Late Latin, "contradiction, antithesis" (loan translation of Greek antíthesis), from Latin opposi-, variant stem of oppōnere "to place (over or against), place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at oppose

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing opposition

• in opposition to
• leader of the opposition
• square of opposition
• the opposition

Kids Definition

opposition

noun

op·​po·​si·​tion ˌäp-ə-ˈzish-ən 

1

: the state of being opposite

2

: the action of resisting

offer opposition to a plan

the opposition of two forces

3

a

: a group of persons (as a team or an enemy force) that oppose someone or something

b

often capitalized : a political party opposing the party in power