opposition

noun op·po·si·tion \ ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən \

Updated on: 13 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

The opposition blamed Assad's forces for the attack, accusations the government and its Russian backers strongly deny.

— bassem mroue, chicagotribune.com, "Syrian troops on alert amid fear of U.S. strike after attack," 10 Apr. 2018
As the company has mobilized to quell rising political opposition, Facebook also has wrestled government investigations in the United States and Europe.

— the washington post, AL.com, "Mark Zuckerberg testimony: Facebook founder grilled by Congress," 10 Apr. 2018
Throughout the Obama presidency, Fox News existed comfortably on the airwaves as something as familiar, and dull, as the loyal opposition.

— daniel d'addario, Time, "Laura Ingraham Is Fox News's Problem, and Its Way Forward," 10 Apr. 2018
While no major opposition to the tax has come forward, the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce has opted not to support it while also not urging its defeat.

— scott wartman, Cincinnati.com, "What is Hamilton County Issue 3? The library tax levy," 10 Apr. 2018
As the company has mobilized to quell rising political opposition, Facebook also has wrestled government investigations in the United States and Europe.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Zuckerberg details ‘greatest regrets’ as Congress grills the Facebook CEO," 10 Apr. 2018
As the company has mobilized to quell rising political opposition, Facebook also has wrestled government investigations in the United States and Europe.

— the washington post, cleveland.com, "Zuckerberg testimony: Members of Congress grill Facebook CEO," 10 Apr. 2018
As the company has mobilized to quell rising political opposition, Facebook also has wrestled government investigations in the United States and Europe.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Mark Zuckerberg testimony: Congress grills Facebook CEO, founder," 10 Apr. 2018
The high turnout had initially caused excitement among the opposition.

— The Economist, "Hungary’s illiberal prime minister, Viktor Orban, wins a landslide," 9 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

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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