opposite

adjective

op·po·site | \ ˈä-pə-zət

, ˈäp-sət \

Definition of opposite

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : set over against something that is at the other end or side of an intervening (see intervene sense 4) line or space opposite interior angles opposite ends of a diameter

b : situated in pairs on an axis (see axis sense 3) with each member being separated from the other by half the circumference (see circumference sense 2) of the axis opposite leaves — compare alternate

2a : occupying an opposing and often antagonistic position opposite sides of the question

b : diametrically different (as in nature or character) opposite meanings

3 : contrary to one another or to a thing specified : reverse gave them opposite directions

4 : being the other of a pair that are corresponding (see corresponding sense 1a) or complementary (see complementary sense 2) in position, function, or nature In the final position, the two exchanged rooks and left bishops of opposite color, a position that often leads to a draw … — The Chicago Sun Times — see also opposite sex

5 : of, relating to, or being the side of a baseball field that is near the first base line for a right-handed batter and near the third base line for a left-handed batter

opposite

noun

Definition of opposite (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : something that is opposed to some other often specified thing

2 : antonym

3 : additive inverse especially : the additive inverse of a real number

opposite

adverb

Definition of opposite (Entry 3 of 4)

: on or to an opposite side

opposite

preposition

Definition of opposite (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : across from and usually facing or on the same level with sat opposite each other

2 : in a role complementary to played opposite the leading man in the comedy

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

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Choose the Right Synonym for opposite

Adjective

opposite, contradictory, contrary, antithetical mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. opposite views on foreign aid contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid. made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. contrary assessments of the war situation antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Examples of opposite in a Sentence

Adjective The two boys lived on opposite sides of the street. the opposite bank of the river Fold the bottom right corner of the paper over to the opposite corner. The two scientists had the same information but reached opposite conclusions. They represent opposite sides of the issue. They ran in opposite directions. Her music is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the music her mother made. Noun “Wet” is the opposite of “dry.” The terms “black” and “white” are opposites. Adverb I sat down and he sat opposite. Preposition She lives in the house opposite ours. The school is opposite a park. I played opposite the best player in the league. She stars opposite Clint Eastwood in her latest movie.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Connecticut, a state with some of the most restrictive voting laws in the nation, is poised to move in the opposite direction: Democrats in the General Assembly are considering a number of bills that would expand access and make voting easier. — Daniela Altimari, courant.com, "Connecticut has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. Here’s how our voting laws compare to other states.," 11 Apr. 2021 In contrast, Adriana Guimarães, who ran for city council in Manaus, switched her racial declaration in the opposite direction. — Luiz Romero, CNN, "Why did thousands of Brazilian politicians change their race?," 9 Apr. 2021 In fact, sometimes investors bid up stocks ahead of time so much that when things do happen the stocks barely budge—or go in the opposite direction. — Dan Runkevicius, Forbes, "The Stock Market Is Preparing For the Greatest Flood Of Money In History," 8 Apr. 2021 In fact, Carlson believes the unfairness runs in the opposite direction. — Washington Post, "How right-wing media keeps smearing George Floyd with the racist ‘no angel’ narrative," 7 Apr. 2021 The word retrograde basically just means it’s moving backward, and instead of the usual west to east motion of weather, this storm is moving in the opposite direction. — BostonGlobe.com, "Sunshine for Easter and beyond, but it could be too much of a good thing," 4 Apr. 2021 As Appelt attempted to reenter the hotel, a second officer tried to take him into custody, but Appelt was able to break free of his grip and flee in the opposite direction toward a third officer that was approaching in a patrol vehicle. — oregonlive, "Video shows man with knife chasing officer before fatal police shooting in Corvallis," 4 Apr. 2021 Abby, who grabbed the toddler and started moving in the opposite direction of the lynx, was shaking. — Morgan Krakow, Anchorage Daily News, "A lynx, a toddler and a bizarre encounter in an Anchorage Hillside driveway," 3 Apr. 2021 As states across the South race to establish new voting restrictions, Virginia is bolting in the opposite direction. — New York Times, "Virginia, the Old Confederacy’s Heart, Becomes a Voting Rights Bastion," 2 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Prince Abdulaziz is doing the opposite, because oil higher prices will eventually benefit shale producers. — Grant Smith, Fortune, "In a bold taunt, Saudis warn America’s frackers: ‘Drill, baby, drill is gone forever’," 5 Mar. 2021 As voters see different politicians in action on television, McLean said that Lamont is the polar opposite in tone and personality of Cuomo - the governor who has been constantly in the news more than any other. — Christopher Keating, courant.com, "Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont’s poll ratings doubled in COVID year, but extraordinary powers and federal money will eventually run out," 15 Mar. 2021 But now, Katie Holmes is bringing us back down to earth, making a strong case for arguably the most effortless hair color of all: a borderline-black shade of dark brown that's the polar opposite of bright, sunny warm-weather highlights. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, "Katie Holmes’ New Hair Color For Spring? Groundbreaking.," 12 Mar. 2021 Having that team that helps me balance that because business is almost the complete opposite of creativity. — Samantha Callender, Essence, "After Choreographing The Weeknd's Super Bowl Show, Charm La’Donna Is Stepping Out As Her Own Artist," 11 Mar. 2021 Dragon witches and rich witches were the complete opposite. — Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, "Inflation, Inflation, Inflation (or Not)," 5 Mar. 2021 In the southern hemisphere the effect is the complete opposite. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, "Your Stargazing Guide To March 2021: Two-Planet Showdown And A Spectacular ‘Supermoon’ Usher-In Spring," 26 Feb. 2021 Yeager has a reputation for being tough and sometimes cantankerous, and is perhaps the polar opposite of the silent loner depicted in The Right Stuff, the 1983 film that portrayed the era’s test pilots and first astronauts. — Rob Verger, Popular Science, "Chuck Yeager has died at 97, but the legacy of his record-breaking flight lives on," 8 Dec. 2020 Blunt and confrontational, Roux is the polar opposite of genteel Gideon. — Washington Post, "Susie Yang’s ‘White Ivy’ is an entertaining character study of a social climber with a secret," 5 Nov. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb Sergiño Dest opened scoring for the U.S. while playing opposite of his typical position at left back, slicing through defenders to fire a long-range shot in the 34th minute. — Julia Poe, orlandosentinel.com, "USMNT beats Jamaica, Daryl Dike sidelined during friendly match," 25 Mar. 2021 The 6-foot-4 Green is expected to start opposite of Hopkins as the No. 2 outside receiver in coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. — Bob Mcmanaman, The Arizona Republic, "A.j. Green: Cardinals are ready to win now; can't wait to play with Murray, Hopkins," 19 Mar. 2021 The top of the mirror now stretches about eight feet from the floor, reflecting glints of golden sunlight from the bay window opposite. — Susanne Fowler, House Beautiful, "My Lease Prevents Me From Hanging Anything on the Walls—Here's How I Made Do," 15 Mar. 2021 In Arizona, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year reunites with his former Houston Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins and will play opposite of Chandler Jones, potentially giving the Cardinals one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. — oregonlive, "Twitter reacts to J.J. Watt signing with Arizona Cardinals: ‘Let’s finish what we started’," 1 Mar. 2021 Right-hander Walker Buehler is slated to start opposite right-hander Logan Webb. — Los Angeles Times, "Dodgers pound Rockies while Trevor Bauer and Kenley Jansen pound the strike zone," 1 Mar. 2021 Bond yields and prices move opposite to one another. — Anneken Tappe, CNN, "Stocks pop as bond yields take a breather," 1 Mar. 2021 Miami was aggressive and added a top cornerback to put opposite Xavien Howard, which allowed the team to change its style of defense? — Omar Kelly, sun-sentinel.com, "Dolphins Q&A: What are the Dolphins’ top free-agent needs?," 26 Feb. 2021 Fellow redshirt freshman Cameron Williams started opposite of Harvey in the bowl game that Phillips and Roche opted out of and had a tackle for loss. — David Furones, sun-sentinel.com, "Tennessee transfer Deandre Johnson wants to improve draft stock while winning with hometown Hurricanes," 6 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition Neutralizing Garrett became problematic when the Browns couldn’t find sustainable play opposite him. — Ellis L. Williams, cleveland, "How did Myles Garrett improve as a defensive end and what does that mean for 2021? -- Film Review," 16 Feb. 2021 Brad Pitt plays James opposite Casey Affleck as Robert Ford, an admirer and gang recruit who ultimately turns against his idol. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, "The 50 Greatest Western Movies of All Time," 18 Jan. 2021 Cooper, 17, will make his film debut opposite singer-songwriter Alana Haim in Paul Thomas Anderson's untitled 1970s-set coming-of-age story that will also star Bradley Cooper and Bennie Safdie, according to the Hollywood Reporter. — Eric Todisco, PEOPLE.com, "Philip Seymour Hoffman's Son Cooper, 17, to Make Film Debut in Paul Thomas Anderson's New Movie," 3 Sep. 2020 For the last month, the Mexican state opposite the Rio Grande Valley, Tamaulipas, has refused to allow U.S. immigration officials to return many families with children under age 7. — Los Angeles Times, "Hundreds of migrants cross the Rio Grande nightly: ‘We all came with dreams’," 22 Mar. 2021 It’s situated in Baden, the region on the east side of the Rhine River, almost directly opposite Alsace-Lorraine. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, "Why You Should Explore The World Of German Pinot Noir Wines," 18 Mar. 2021 According to preliminary plans, that means the grocer will extend into the current location of Peter Piper Pizza and the pizza shop will move opposite the 99 Cents Only Store adjacent to Southern Avenue. — Megan Taros, The Arizona Republic, "South Phoenix residents push back on large development in iconic South Plaza," 18 Mar. 2021 Moore would be a nice fit opposite a healthy Michael Thomas. — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, "2021 NFL Mock Draft: Three rounds!," 17 Mar. 2021 Dawber, 69, is best known for her work opposite Robin Williams in the comedy Mork & Mindy. — Lynette Rice, EW.com, "Pam Dawber (finally!) joins husband Mark Harmon on NCIS for 4 episodes," 17 Mar. 2021

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

First Known Use of opposite

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1667, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1758, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for opposite

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin oppositus, from past participle of oppōnere "to place (over or against), place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin oppositus, noun derivative from past participle of oppōnere "to place (over or against), place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" — more at oppose

Adverb

derivative of opposite entry 1

Preposition

derivative of opposite entry 1

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