oppose

verb

op·pose | \ ə-ˈpōz

opposed; opposing

Definition of oppose

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

Other Words from oppose Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about oppose

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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

The association was started in the 1970s-1980s, opposing a 55 mph national speed limit, and lately their work has been more focused on road diets, license-plate readers and road cameras. — Robert Allen, Detroit Free Press, "Autos vs. bikes: Watch for shrinking roads in metro Detroit," 10 June 2019 That’s one reason the Illinois Casino Gaming Association opposed the expansion bill. — Jason Grotto, ProPublica, "Illinois Is Poised to Become the Gambling Capital of the Midwest," 10 June 2019 But the bank has refused because the Alfaros opposed the the request, the receiver said in the court filing. — Patrick Danner, ExpressNews.com, "Oil man Alfaro and wife not turning over monies, San Antonio receiver alleges," 10 June 2019 Get social on Monday when the Sun opposes a retrograde Jupiter, your communication ruler. — Venus Australis, refinery29.com, "Your Horoscope This Week," 9 June 2019 The far-right Alternative for Germany, which opposes sanctions, is strong in Saxony. — Washington Post, "Merkel party leader rejects call to end Russia sanctions," 9 June 2019 Herrod's efforts threatened the coalition of Democrats and some Republicans that Brewer had assembled to get majority support because Democrats opposed the proposal. — Bob Christie, azcentral, "High-profile Arizona abortion foe strikes out at state Senate," 9 June 2019 The effort is led by Auditor Jim Zeigler, who is requesting people write or call Ivey’s office and oppose SB347. — al.com, "Grassroots push looks to trip up legislation punishing toll scofflaws in Alabama," 9 June 2019 The Tatars, a Turkic Muslim group who controlled the peninsula before the Russian empire arrived (and who were deported for decades by Stalin), mainly opposed Russia’s annexation. — The Economist, "Crimea is still in limbo five years after Russia seized it," 8 June 2019

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.

History and Etymology for 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, 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