against 1 of 2

preposition

ə-ˈgen(t)st How to pronounce against (audio)
Definition of againstnext
1
as in on
in or into contact with he leaned against the fence and it collapsed unwittingly rubbed his leg against some poison ivy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in anti
opposed to; not for I'm against going to see the parade if it's raining

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

against

2 of 2

adjective

as in opposed

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of against
Preposition
Hawks rookie guard Kingston Flemings rocked a special pair of shoes in the team’s exhibition game against the Spurs Thursday. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 10 Oct. 2026 There were flashes during his rookie year — an interception against the Dallas Cowboys and a beautiful pass breakup against All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The hardworking, hard-to-play-against, honest types that get after it for your team or make life difficult on the opposing team with their persistence or heaviness. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Many of these are responses to the above points on the ‘against’ side, and some of them are proposals for directions to explore to help overcome the issues raised. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for against
Recent Examples of Synonyms for against
  1. on
  2. opposed
  3. upon
  4. unwilling
  5. averse
  6. reluctant
Preposition
  • Jimmy Kimmel set his sights on Katie Zacharia, the latest blonde woman to act as Donald Trump‘s press secretary.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s Theme This puzzle narrates a breakdown in communication that takes place, presumably, on a video call.
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Maps showing the states that are most opposed to AI data centers.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • According to a poll conducted in September by PBS, NPR and Marist, 65% of voters oppose construction in their communities, with 43% strongly opposed.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of opposed
Preposition
  • An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said.
    — DJ Simmons June 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • Since Köhler's early work, researchers have conducted similar experiments involving an out-of-reach reward and an object to stand upon in birds and elephants.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 June 2026
Definition of upon
Adjective
  • Traceability isn’t something being thrust on unwilling cotton suppliers, a new report found.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Houthis, still formally in a truce with Riyadh, appeared unwilling to aid their Iranian partners.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • The nuclear industry is historically cautious and risk averse—understandable given the possible catastrophic consequences of an accident or a mistake.
    — Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Parents can rest easy knowing that the child-averse can hit the Adults-Only pool to remain unbothered.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • Unlike other reluctant sources, though, Bragg wouldn’t even help him with fact checking.
    — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Mark is reluctant to put up their impressive Westside home as loan collateral, but Sam persuades him that the risk will pay off and the election is all but sewn up.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of reluctant

Phrases Containing against

Browse Nearby Words

again and again
against
agape
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Cite this Entry

“Against.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/against. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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