opposition

noun

op·​po·​si·​tion ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən 

1

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

He spoke in opposition to the new law.

2

: hostile or contrary action or condition

offered strong opposition to the advance of the enemy

3

a

: something that opposes

specifically : a body of persons opposing something

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

b

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

The opposition is likely to win the upcoming election.

4

: 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

5

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

The propositions "Every box is empty" and "Some box is not empty" are in contradictory opposition.

oppositional

ˌä-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of opposition

• resistance
• objection

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 attempt to rename the gulf, which has gone by the same name since the 16th Century, drew international opposition, and numerous media outlets vowed to stick with the common and internationally recognized usage. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

The residents launched their recall effort following contentious meetings over annexing the 2,000 acres into Granbury and zoning the land for industrial use despite vehement opposition from residents. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

The lawsuit claimed Hector was fired in retaliation for her outspoken opposition to censorship efforts directed toward the library. — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026

His opposition to Trump’s approach doesn’t extend to all tariffs, however. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for opposition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

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