opposition

noun op·po·si·tion \ ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən \

|Updated on: 2 Aug 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

According to a report in Axios, Israel and the United States formed a joint working group in recent months to help support internal opposition to the Tehran regime.

— NBC News, "U.S. refuses European requests for exemptions from its new sanctions on Iran," 14 July 2018
Qualcomm canceled a plan in August to erect two 70-foot-tall banners on the Wyndham San Diego Bayside hotel in response to strong opposition.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Public outcry prompts port to shelve looser policy for building wrap ads," 13 July 2018
So far no organized opposition has emerged to Meral’s proposition.

— dale kasler and phillip reese, sacbee, "The Valley floor is sinking, and it’s crippling California’s ability to deliver water," 13 July 2018
The 11-count indictment alleges that the Russian agents infiltrated the networks, stealing documents on field operations, opposition research and campaign analytics and implanting malicious computer code.

— jean marbella, baltimoresun.com, "State investigates Russian investor's ties to Maryland elections software," 13 July 2018
But last year a group of scientists at universities and environmental organizations wrote members of Congress to urge opposition to the legislation.

— erica martinson, Anchorage Daily News, "Don Young’s bill to revise Magnuson-Stevens fishing law passes U.S. House," 13 July 2018
Simply put, no player in the tournament has been more effective, more creative and more likely to have opposition coaches reaching for the Advil.

— martin rogers, USA TODAY, "How the World Cup final between France and Croatia will be won," 13 July 2018
Add to that organized opposition to hydrocarbons, increasingly competitive renewables and revolutionary changes in vehicle transportation.

— Houston Chronicle, "Competition for top talent keeps pay scale high in oil industry," 13 July 2018
Those plans, including the new middle school, were dropped after strong opposition in a district survey.

— nicole aimone, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Waukesha School Board approves $60 million referendum for district-wide facility improvment," 13 July 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