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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Synonyms & Antonyms for opposition

Synonyms

defiance, resistance

Antonyms

acquiescence

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 Finns Party, formerly known as the True Finns, was in opposition for its first 20 years but won nearly 18% support in 2015 and was part of the government coalition until 2017, when a faction defected. — Jari Tanner, The Seattle Times, "Finns to vote on how best to save their welfare state," 12 Apr. 2019 When done right, this footwear choice is very much in opposition to anything dainty and sweet. — Vogue, "It’s Official: Platform Sandals Are the Shoe of the Summer," 12 Apr. 2019 The film industry currently pours billions of dollars into Georgia, and many notable actors are standing in opposition to that movement. — Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Georgia's Six-Week Abortion Ban Claims to "Value Life"," 4 Apr. 2019 In the months that followed, Dragonfly has become a flashpoint for employee protests within Google, with more than 400 Google employees signing a letter in opposition to the project. — Russell Brandom, The Verge, "Google halted Chinese data collection program after Dragonfly backlash," 17 Dec. 2018 Some viewers think Mallory might represent the second coming of Christ, in opposition to Michael’s antichrist. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "13 “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” Fan Theories That Might Predict What Is Ahead," 1 Nov. 2018 The protesters were among the thousands who rallied in Scotland and England in opposition to the president’s visit to both countries. — Jill Colvin, BostonGlobe.com, "Before Putin meeting, Trump blames predecessor for election meddling," 14 July 2018 The order, Executive Order 18-202, is in direct opposition to HB631, a bill Scott signed into law in March. — Jacob Sweet, miamiherald, "Contradicting law he signed, Gov. Rick Scott orders that Florida beaches be kept open to public," 12 July 2018 Venezuela’s opposition, stung by recent setbacks, is grappling for its next move to try to unseat President Nicolás Maduro. — Ryan Dube, WSJ, "Venezuelan Opposition Leader’s Return From Colombia to Spell Showdown With President," 27 Feb. 2019

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