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

Keep scrolling for more

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

Their brand, NorBlack NorWhite, stands in vibrant opposition to the minimalist sportswear status quo. — Whitney Wei, Vogue, "Meet the Indian Design Duo Shaking Up the Look of Athleisure," 28 Nov. 2018 Stripe spokeswoman Kelly Sims declined to comment, pointing to the company’s previous statements in opposition to Prop C. Sign up for our Recode Daily newsletter to get the top tech and business news stories delivered to your inbox. — Shirin Ghaffary, Recode, "San Francisco’s Prop C homelessness tax was a big win for Marc Benioff, but legal challenges may be coming," 8 Nov. 2018 That movement is in opposition to the party bosses. — Rebecca Nelson, Marie Claire, "Party Crashers: These Female Candidates Are Shaking Up The Midterms," 2 Nov. 2018 During a televised press conference, Borch Andersen noted that Iran already was suspected of targeting opposition groups abroad. — Jan M. Olsen, The Seattle Times, "Denmark alleges Iran plotted to kill activist on Danish soil," 30 Oct. 2018 But unlike recent Russian influence campaigns, the Iranian actors focused on promoting sentiments and activities that tended to be in opposition to President Trump (and in some cases, UK prime minister Theresa May). — Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, "Facebook yanks content tied to Iranian effort due to “inauthentic behavior”," 26 Oct. 2018 The moon has to be in just the right place in its orbit for this to happen—essentially in opposition. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Everything To Know About the January 2019 Lunar Eclipse," 12 Oct. 2018 Full moons occur when the sun and moon are in direct opposition: This month, their celestial placements symbolize beginnings and endings. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What Your Sign's October 2018 Horoscope Predictions Mean for You," 30 Sep. 2018 Revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars in money from outside left-wing opposition groups. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Read the Full Transcript of Brett Kavanaugh's Opening Statement at Today's Hearing," 27 Sep. 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