opposable

adjective

op·​pos·​able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl 

1

: capable of being opposed or resisted

2

: capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot

the opposable human thumb

opposability

ə-ˌpō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of opposable in a Sentence

Humans have an opposable thumb.

Recent Examples on the Web

This opposable-toed ape co-existed with the same hominin species as one of our most famous ancestors–Lucy. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Nov. 2025

Evolution has adapted the digits of mammals for an enormous range of uses, from our opposable thumbs to the spindly digits that support bat wings to the robust bones that support the hoofs of horses. —John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025

Perhaps the fist evolved as an anatomical accident, a by-product of the lengthened fingers and opposable thumbs that gave humans their unparalleled tool-grabbing dexterity. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025

What are the chances that E.T., the Predator, or ALF would develop arms and legs, a humanlike face, and opposable thumbs? —Matthew Hutson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

oppose + -able

First Known Use

circa 1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for opposable

• decomposable
• disposable
• transposable
• indecomposable

Kids Definition

opposable

adjective

op·​pos·​able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl 

: capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot

the opposable human thumb

Medical Definition

opposable

adjective

op·​pos·​able ə-ˈpō-zə-bəl 

: capable of being placed against one or more of the remaining digits of a hand or foot

an opposable thumb

opposability

-ˌpō-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural opposabilities