oppose

verb op·pose \ ə-ˈpōz \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

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

In October, Trump's administration sided with the major professional sports leagues on opposing New Jersey's sports betting offering.

— chris chavez, SI.com, "President Trump's Stance On Legalizing Sports Betting Over The Years," 14 May 2018
The Chargers secondary could be a real pain in the neck for opposing quarterbacks and pass-catchers next season.

— mike digiovanna, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Chargers notes: Secondary a pain for opponents; Gordon's motivation," 14 May 2018
Garcetti urged the audience to talk to people with opposing political views.

— cindy chang, latimes.com, "Eric Garcetti, still weighing a presidential run, delivers commencement address in New Hampshire," 13 May 2018
Failure to abide by the code of conduct is subject to sanctions, though fans throwing things at opposing teams is not uncommon.

— jordan culver and alicia delgallo, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando City fans throw trash onto field during loss to Atlanta United," 13 May 2018
Paxton’s office led a coalition of states in opposing the measure — which provided work permits and deportation protection to parents of legal residents — that successfully challenged DAPA in the Supreme Court.

— jasper scherer, San Antonio Express-News, "Chip Roy’s plan to get Washington out of the way includes going there himself," 13 May 2018
Sleepin’ Joe’’ and criticized the senator for opposing his tax plan and attempt to end the Affordable Care Act.

— washington post, BostonGlobe.com, "Second Democrat announces support for CIA nominee Haspel," 12 May 2018
That was one of many ads that attempted to set up events — sometimes on opposing sides of an issue.

— mary clare jalonick, chicagotribune.com, "More than 3,500 Russian Facebook ads released by Congress," 10 May 2018
That was one of many ads that attempted to set up events — sometimes on opposing sides of an issue.

— Fox News, "Facebook ads show Russian effort to stoke political division," 10 May 2018

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

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, ¹pose," 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 ¹position

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1579

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

oppose Synonyms

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

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

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.

Medical Dictionary

oppose

transitive verb op·pose \ ə-ˈpōz \

medical Definition of oppose

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

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oppose

Definition of oppose

opposer

Examples of oppose in a Sentence

Recent Examples of oppose from the Web

Origin and Etymology of oppose

oppose Synonyms

Synonyms

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Synonym Discussion of oppose

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OPPOSE Defined for English Language Learners

oppose

Definition of oppose for English Language Learners

OPPOSE Defined for Kids

oppose

Definition of oppose for Students

Medical Dictionary

oppose

medical Definition of oppose

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