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

There was a humorous moment when former major league pitcher Orlando Hernandez voiced his opposition through an interpreter. — Craig Davis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "David Beckham, Jorge Mas encounter opposition in latest bid for Miami MLS stadium," 13 July 2018 Many protesters used humor to convey their opposition. — Jill Colvin And Jonathan Lemire, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump praises May after throwing barbs, then meets the queen," 13 July 2018 Read more: Michael Joyce, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said no one believes Stabenow did a thorough review of Kavanaugh's lengthy judicial record before announcing her opposition along with other Democrats. — Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, "Why Mich. senators won't confirm Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh," 13 July 2018 Many protesters used humor to convey their opposition. — Washington Post, "Trump pulls diplomatic backflip, praising May after barbs," 13 July 2018 The school earlier brought a band of more than 100 students to a Gary Common Council meeting to express their opposition. — Gregory Tejeda, Post-Tribune, "Gary recycling facility gets 6-month permit extension; protests continue," 12 July 2018 Nonetheless, Mattis and other senior officials have softened their opposition to Trump’s proposal, and the Pentagon is actively studying the possibility of creating a separate service. — Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, "Jim Mattis once wanted to rocket Marines into space, foreshadowing Trump's Space Force," 11 July 2018 Deep dives and late takes Sen. Kamala Harris took all of 20 minutes to announce her opposition to Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. — Joe Garofoli, SFChronicle.com, "This West Coast governor is gaining 2020 presidential attention," 10 July 2018 But reproductive rights advocates voice their opposition to the nomination. — refinery29.com, "Meet Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Trump's Supreme Court Nominee," 10 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