oppose

verb

op·​pose ə-ˈpōz 

opposed; opposing

transitive verb

1

: to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast

one military force opposed to another

concreteness as opposed to abstraction

—L. E. Lynch

2

: to place opposite or against something

oppose the enemy

oppose a congressional bill

3

: to offer resistance to

opposer noun

Synonyms

• buck
• defy
• fight
• repel
• resist
• withstand

Choose the Right Synonym for oppose

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of oppose in a Sentence

The governor opposes the death penalty.

The change is opposed by many of the town's business leaders.

The group opposes the mayor and is trying to find a candidate to run against her.

You've opposed every suggestion I've made.

He met the man who will oppose him in the next election.

These two teams opposed each other in last year's playoffs.

We're hoping we can get more senators to oppose the legislation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ohtani, the two-time American League MVP with the Angels who hit better than .300 each of the past two seasons (while holding opposing hitters to averages of .203 and .184)? —Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 2 June 2024

Prior to his exit, Snell had limited the Yankees to one run — the no-doubter from Soto — and struck out seven while keeping opposing batters off balance with a mid-90s fastball and a big breaking curveball. —Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 2 June 2024

But the Saudis are opposed to any agreement that does not include concrete steps toward the creation of a Palestinian state. —Aamer Madhani, Chris Megerian, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 June 2024

Webster lamented the fact that his team didn’t make the opposing pitcher work enough in the 1-0, Game 1 loss on Thursday picking up two hits and one walk against Alex D’Angelo. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English opposen "to question, examine, accuse" (as past participle opposed "opposite, contrary"), borrowed from Anglo-French opposer "to counter, argue in opposition, question, interrogate," re-formation, with poser "to place, pose entry 1," of Latin oppōnere (perfect opposuī, past participle oppositus) "to place (over or against), place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply," from ob- ob- + pōnere "to place, set" — more at position entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

oppose

verb

op·​pose ə-ˈpōz 

opposed; opposing

1

: to be or place opposite or against something

2

: to offer resistance to : stand against : resist

Medical Definition

oppose

transitive verb

op·​pose ə-ˈpōz 

opposed; opposing

: to place the ball of (a first digit) against the corresponding part of a second digit of the same hand or foot

some monkeys oppose the big toe