opposition

noun

op·po·si·tion | \ ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən

Definition of opposition

1 : a configuration (see configuration sense 1b) in which one celestial (see celestial entry 1 sense 2) body is opposite another (such as the sun) in the sky or in which the elongation (see elongation sense 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

5a : 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.

Other Words from opposition Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about opposition

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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 on the Web

The race faces opposition from residents angry over the noise, environmental impact and disruption to the island. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Grand Prix offers $300,000 a year to race on Belle Isle," 13 July 2018 The decision, which Trump announced Monday night, is likely to face opposition not only from Democrats in Congress but also from leaders within the tech industry who oppose Kavanaugh’s perspective on issues related to privacy and net neutrality. — Issie Lapowsky, WIRED, "Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court Could Spell Trouble for Tech," 10 July 2018 In April, Congressman Henry Cuellar pulled an amendment allowing that from debate after facing opposition from airline groups and D.C.-area lawmakers. — Joshua Fechter, San Antonio Express-News, "San Antonio aviation director talks travel ban, airport construction and flying the F-22," 9 July 2018 He is expected to face strong opposition from Democrats, who already have called Kavanaugh and the other court finalists too conservative. — Mark Sherman, The Seattle Times, "High-court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is D.C. native, ex-Bush aide," 9 July 2018 The plan has faced stiff opposition from many in the neighborhood. — Charles V. Bagli, New York Times, "Disney Will Move New York Operations to Lower Manhattan," 9 July 2018 Truman’s predecessor, Franklin Roosevelt, faced huge opposition to the idea of American troops coming the aid of Britain at the outset of World War ll, even when Hitler had invaded and occupied much of the rest of Europe. — Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, "US-Europe ties and the audacity of July 1948," 9 July 2018 But these key sites face opposition Homeless people get new bathroom in Sacramento. — Cynthia Hubert, sacbee, "This man cost Sacramento County more in one year than any other homeless person," 8 July 2018 Gonzalez was granted a certificate of innocence in June 2015 by Lake County Circuit Court Judge Victoria Rossetti, a move that faced no opposition from the state's attorney's office. — Emily K. Coleman, Lake County News-Sun, "Waukegan rejects apology but agrees to $9.5 million settlement for man cleared by DNA in 1995 rape," 5 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.

History and Etymology for 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