leader of the opposition

noun phrase

: the principal member of the opposition party in a British legislative body who is given the status of a salaried government official and an important role in organizing the business of the house

Examples of leader of the opposition in a Sentence

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The leader of the opposition, positioned to be the likely successor in the next free general election, has confirmed that the same message resonates with his party, as the interest in a long-term, robust Dominican-American relationship transcends party lines. Alberto Piantini, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, leader of the opposition in parliament, told Reuters that President Andry Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday after units of the army defected and joined the protesters. CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025 Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, leader of the opposition in parliament, told Reuters Rajoelina left Madagascar on Sunday after units of the army defected and joined the protesters. Lovasoa Rabary, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 The 58-year-old politician and activist is the undisputed leader of the opposition to Nicolás Maduro – a man widely seen as a dictator who has taken Venezuela down the path of repression, human rights violations and increasing poverty since becoming president in 2013. David Smilde, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for leader of the opposition

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leader of the opposition was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Leader of the opposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leader%20of%20the%20opposition. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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