opposition

noun op·po·si·tion \ ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən \

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Examples: opposition in a Sentence

Definition of opposition

1 : a configuration (see configuration 1b) in which one celestial (see ¹celestial 2) body is opposite another (such as the sun) in the sky or in which the elongation (see elongation 1) is near or equal to 180 degrees

2 : the relation between two propositions having the same subject and predicate but differing in quantity or quality or both

3 : an act of setting opposite or over against : the condition of being so set

He spoke in opposition to the new law.

4 : hostile or contrary action or condition

offered strong opposition to the advance of the enemy

5 a : something that opposes; specifically : a body of persons opposing something

Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.

b often capitalized : a political party opposing and prepared to replace the party in power

The opposition is likely to win the upcoming election.

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oppositional

play \ˌä-pə-ˈzish-nəl, -ˈzi-shə-nᵊl\ adjective

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Examples of opposition in a Sentence

They're going ahead with the plans despite strong opposition from residents.
The nominee faces strong opposition in the Senate.
The proposed change has met with opposition from the town's business leaders.
Rebels have so far offered little opposition to advancing troops.
Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.
The coach advised her team not to underestimate the opposition.
The leader of the Opposition criticized the prime minister for his comments.

Recent Examples of opposition from the Web

On top of that issue, the addition of Trump, who essentially stands in opposition of everything Pose represents, isn’t treated with any nuance or a mere sly, Ryan Murphy-ish wink.

— refinery29.com, "Pose Doesn’t Need Its Donald Trump References," 4 June 2018
On June 19, Vesta will be in opposition with the Earth, meaning the Earth will be between Vesta and the sun.

— richard tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Bright asteroid can be seen with the naked eye in June," 1 June 2018
Full moons occur when the sun and moon are in direct opposition, meaning that the vivid light of the sun shines on the entirety of the moon.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "What June's Sagittarius Horoscope Means for You," 29 May 2018
The coalition, which has received support from the nation's largest teachers union, amassed thousands of signatures over the past month in opposition to the takeover.

— mandy mclaren, The Courier-Journal, "JCPS board will fight back against state takeover in appeal," 29 May 2018
Gorsuch seemed to define himself in opposition to the prevailing campus politics.

— simon van zuylen-wood, Daily Intelligencer, "How Neil Gorsuch Became the Second-Most-Polarizing Man in Washington," 28 May 2018
Councilman Clay Madden voted in opposition to the roundabout resolution along with Sica.

— kim chatelain, NOLA.com, "Mandeville to move forward with roundabout design contract," 25 May 2018
Maduro's main rival, independent candidate Henri Falcon, has faced the dual challenge of running against a powerful incumbent while trying to convince skeptical Venezuelans to defy the boycott called by the main opposition coalition.

— scott smith and joshua goodman, Fox News, "Maduro favored as Venezuelans vote amid crisis," 20 May 2018
Maduro’s main rival, independent candidate Henri Falcon, has faced the dual challenge of running against a powerful incumbent while trying to convince skeptical Venezuelans to defy the boycott called by the main opposition coalition.

— scott smith and joshua goodman, USA TODAY, "Venezuelans vote amid deepening economic crisis," 20 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of opposition

Middle English opposicioun "location opposite something, contrary opinion, opposition of celestial bodies," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French oposicion (Anglo-French opposicion "objection, questioning"), borrowed from Medieval Latin oppositiōn-, oppositiō, going back to Late Latin, "contradiction, antithesis" (loan translation of Greek antíthesis), from Latin opposi-, variant stem of oppōnere "to place (over or against), place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at oppose

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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opposition Synonyms

OPPOSITION Defined for English Language Learners

opposition

noun

Definition of opposition for English Language Learners

: actions or opinions that show that you disagree with or disapprove of someone or something
: action that is done to stop or defeat someone or something
the opposition : a person or group that you are trying to defeat or succeed against : a person or group that you are competing with