oppose

verb

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op·pose | \ ə-ˈpōz

opposed; opposing

Definition of oppose

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

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 House Minority Leader Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, said lawmakers on her side of the aisle don’t oppose programs subject to the reverse sweep. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, 8 June 2021 Biden decided to not forcefully oppose the pipeline as Zelensky had hoped, by sanctioning European companies involved. — Zachary B. Wolf, CNN, 7 June 2021 Republicans should oppose this agenda every step of the way — and moderate Democrats should join them. — The Editors, National Review, 29 May 2021 During the first primary debate on May 13, Wiley was the rare candidate to oppose adding more police on the subways and in stations. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 28 May 2021 The companies have engaged with Ms. Savino and didn’t oppose the early drafts of the legislation, people familiar with the matter said. — Jimmy Vielkind, WSJ, 26 May 2021 Supporters say unless the actions are mandatory, which farmers resolutely oppose, more financial incentives will be needed. — John Flesher, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2021 Supporters say unless the actions are mandatory, which farmers resolutely oppose, more financial incentives will be needed. — NBC News, 21 May 2021 While City fans did oppose the Super League there have been no protests demanding the sale of the club or the exit of club officials. — Rob Harris, Star Tribune, 3 May 2021

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