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

IEnova halted service to CFE on part of a pipeline in northwestern Mexico in August 2017 after it was damaged by communities opposed to its operation, and the company has been unable to restart it because of the local opposition. — Anthony Harrup, WSJ, "Mexico Seeks to Revise Private Pipeline Contracts," 12 Feb. 2019 But in the face of widespread opposition within the company, Google executives shuttered one of the project’s most central data sources, making the ongoing work far more difficult. — Russell Brandom, The Verge, "Google halted Chinese data collection program after Dragonfly backlash," 17 Dec. 2018 When Sterling gets in behind the defence, this not only moves England up the pitch, but also creates space between the opposition's back four and midfield so Harry Kane can operate, and score the goals that are so crucial to his game. — SI.com, "Why England Supporters Are Wrong to Call for Raheem Sterling to Be Dropped for Croatia WC Semi Final," 11 July 2018 In all, Pius shut out three teams last week and outscored the opposition, 36-7. — Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee-area baseball rankings, weekly honors," 9 July 2018 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

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