oppose

play

verb op·pose \ə-ˈpōz\

Definition of oppose

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

See oppose defined for English-language learners

See oppose defined for kids

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 of oppose from the Web

A Pew Research Center poll taken in February has 62 percent of Americans opposing a wall.

— john sharp, AL.com, "Video shows subject wanted for questioning in death of a 63-year-old Mobile man", 3 June 2017
John Walke, who directs the Natural Resources Defense Council’s clean air project, has been on the opposing side of Pruitt in federal court.

— juliet eilperin, Washington Post, "Scott Pruitt, outspoken and forceful, moves to the center of power within the Trump administration", 2 June 2017
Besides Musk, a few other members of Trump's advisory council had signed letters opposing withdrawal from the agreement.

— jena mcgregor, chicagotribune.com, "Elon Musk quits presidential councils as CEOs criticize Trump's Paris accord exit", 1 June 2017
Nearly 1,000 residents signed petitions opposing the original Prospect Cove plan.

— sheldon s. shafer, The Courier-Journal, "Prospect affordable-housing development gets new life", 31 May 2017
State wanted to remove Noriega by force, while the Defense Department opposed that.

— david a. graham, The Atlantic, "The Death of Manuel Noriega—and U.S intervention in Latin America", 30 May 2017
Islamists oppose idol worship and consider the Lady Justice statue anti-Islamic.

— the associated press, The Seattle Times, "Bangladesh reinstalls justice statue that irked Islamists", 27 May 2017
Corbyn’s argument that U.K. involvement in foreign wars has increased the terror threat may strike a chord with the many voters who opposed Tony Blair’s support for the Iraq war, and David Cameron’s push for military intervention in Syria.

— svenja o'donnell, Bloomberg.com, "What Polling Swings Mean for the U.K. Election: QuickTake Q&A", 26 May 2017
Others, like Jeffrey T. Sammons — a history professor at New York University who formed the group Golfers Opposing Bigotry — are trying to pressure professional golf associations to cut their ties with the Trump family courses.

— eric lipton, steve eder and ben protess, New York Times, "With a Presidential Boost, the P.G.A. Comes to Trump National", 26 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oppose'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of oppose

French opposer, from Latin opponere (perfect indicative opposui), from ob- against + ponere to place — more at ob-, position

NEW!

First Known Use: 1579

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

OPPOSE Defined for English Language Learners

oppose

play

verb

Definition of oppose for English Language Learners

: to disagree with or disapprove of (something or someone)
: to compete against (someone) : to be an opponent of (someone)
: to try to stop or defeat (something)

OPPOSE Defined for Kids

oppose

play

verb op·pose \ə-ˈpōz\

Definition of oppose for Students

opposed

;

opposing

1 : to disagree with or disapprove of They oppose the proposed changes.
2 : to compete against She will oppose the mayor in November's election.
3 : to provide contrast to Good opposes evil.
4 : to offer resistance to : try to stop or defeat The group will oppose the new law.