opposition

noun op·po·si·tion \ ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən \

Updated on: 26 Apr 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

But there was stiff opposition from some local Italian-American civic leaders and history buffs, who view the landmarks as a source of ethnic pride.

— john greenfield, Chicago Reader, "Monument to fascist Balbo likely to remain, but aldermen could still rename street," 23 Apr. 2018
The couple abandoned plans for a paintball field amid fierce opposition from surrounding residents.

— antonio olivo, Washington Post, "Pumpkin patches vs. ropes courses: Fairfax County battles farmers over agritourism," 22 Apr. 2018
But the vote exposed unusual opposition from within Mr. Macron’s large centrist majority, some of whose members have criticized the proposal as being too harsh on migrants.

— sam schechner, WSJ, "In France, Macron’s Grip on Power Loosens as Party Members Abstain From Vote on Immigration Bill," 22 Apr. 2018
The pay equity bill has failed in the past under opposition from various groups, including the 10,000-member Connecticut Business and Industry Association.

— sandra gomez-aceves, courant.com, "House Approves CT Constitutional Amendment For Early Voting; Approves Pay Equity," 19 Apr. 2018
Criminals are cowards and don't want to face opposition.

— CBS News, "District DeVos linked to grizzlies opts to allow armed teachers," 18 Apr. 2018
Separately, Baldwin Wallace University conducted a poll of Greater Cleveland voters and found support from 52 percent, opposition from 18 percent and the rest undecided.

— rich exner, cleveland.com, "Campaign for Ohio congressional redistricting reform is low-profile and low-budget," 18 Apr. 2018
Pompeo is facing so much opposition from Democrats on the committee that the panel could be forced to take the unusual step of sending the nomination to the full Senate without a favorable recommendation.

— baltimoresun.com, "Sen. Ben Cardin joins Democrats in opposing Mike Pompeo as Trump's new secretary of state," 18 Apr. 2018
The proposal, rejected in a 24-12 vote, drew heavy opposition from agriculture, tourism and construction interests.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Florida constitution commission rejects immigration verification proposal," 17 Apr. 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