oppose

verb op·pose \ ə-ˈpōz \

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

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Examples: oppose in a Sentence

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

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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

Other migrants cross illegally, on land or through the waters of the Rio Grande, often unaware that choosing those routes — as opposed to a legal entry point — exposes them to criminal prosecution.

— maria sacchetti, Washington Post, "‘If we’re all together, I can handle it’," 9 July 2018
The upshot: Longer-duration assets (say, a 10-year Treasury, as opposed to a two-year one) and lower-credit-quality assets (like junk bonds) start to look riskier and less attractive.

— matthew heimer, Fortune, "Here’s What the World’s Biggest Investor Thinks the Markets Will Do Next," 9 July 2018
The visiting teams are in a small locker room that feels more like one found in a high school as opposed to the pros.

— doug feinberg, courant.com, "Some WNBA Teams Downsizing Arenas To Help Bottom Line," 9 July 2018
This year's Spanish Super Cup will be played out over the course of a single game as opposed to the usual two-legged affair.

— SI.com, "Sevilla and Spanish FA in Bizarrely Dramatic Dispute Over New Spanish Super Cup Format," 9 July 2018
The Diamondbacks will stay in Arizona for their off day on Monday and travel to Denver that night, as opposed to traveling after the conclusion of Sunday’s game.

— richard morin, azcentral, "Diamondbacks right-hander Clay Buchholz progressing toward return," 8 July 2018
Shredded Parmesan cheese, arugula and a gooey fried egg make the dish a bit more modern and light, as opposed to its classic potato side.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Garp & Fuss: Murky menu, lovely location," 6 July 2018
As opposed to hey, what if me and LeBron get a long?

— andrew joseph, For The Win, "LaVar Ball broke down the 3 reasons he'll coexist with LeBron James," 5 July 2018
But the hyperbolic self-pitying tone of the tweet instantly highlighted the problem of viewing economic news only from the perspective of bosses, as opposed to workers.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "Rising wages horrifies CNBC but delights everyone else.," 5 July 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.