opposition

noun op·po·si·tion \ ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən \

Updated on: 10 May 2018

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

Opponents criticize their organization’s opposition to gun control and its success in lobbying lawmakers to scuttle anti-gun legislation.

— sarah gray, Fortune, "5 Things to Know About the NRA's New President Oliver North," 7 May 2018
Republicans were already concerned that their voters would stay home in November, as the state party hasn’t been able to recruit a serious candidate for U.S. Senate and Democrats are energized to express their opposition to President Trump.

— joe garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, "In battle for House, California GOP may have just given Democrats a big boost," 6 May 2018
But there were other signs of her opposition to the anti-immigrant president’s policies at the May 2 ceremony that were captured in the above video.

— valerie strauss, Washington Post, "How the 2018 Teacher of the Year signaled her opposition to Trump policies — in front of Trump," 6 May 2018
The away side continued to pour forward, completely dominating the match as their opposition struggled to retain any of the possession.

— SI.com, "Udinese 0-4 Inter: Spalletti's Side Storm to Victory as Zebrette Crumble Amid Relegation Pressures," 6 May 2018
During the discussion, the President sharply criticized Democrats, including Ohio's Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, for their opposition to a border wall.

— elizabeth landers, CNN, "Trump floats 'closing up the country for a while' over border security," 5 May 2018
West Bridgewater voters registered their opposition to recreational marijuana businesses locating in the community in two non-binding questions at the recent Annual Town Election.

— john laidler, BostonGlobe.com, "Nonbinding West Bridgewater vote goes against recreational marijuana shops," 4 May 2018
But his opposition hasn't stopped Republicans, led by Kasich, from axing that money.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio governor's race: Candidates say they've tackled heroin crisis. But it's getting worse," 3 May 2018
Faced with defeat in the House of Commons, the government dropped its opposition to the amendment, clearing the way for it to be shoehorned into the legislation.

— The Economist, "Transparency is being forced on Britain’s overseas territories," 3 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

NEW! Time Traveler

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