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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
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.
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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
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In 1918 and 2003, opposition melted away when British and American forces respectively marched into the city.
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The opposition is demanding general elections, humanitarian aid and the release of political prisoners.
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Sweden has prosecuted a member of an armed Syrian opposition group, and Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland have opened Syrian war crimes investigations.
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The United States, by contrast, has aroused less opposition than any previous great power, for the simple reason that most countries are not afraid of us.
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Except that the vote was nowhere near unanimous—the Bundestag's deciding vote was 393 to 226—with one major international player voicing her opposition: Chancellor Angela Merkel.
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On Tuesday, Senate Republican leaders postponed taking up a major overhaul of the health care system as several Republicans and all of the chamber's Democrats maintained opposition.
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Paul, Mike Allen notes, seems hung up on conservative principles and is expected to use his opposition to make a stand.
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Bob Cauffman, president of Residents Against the Invasion of Land by Eminent Domain, an opposition group based in Porter County, questioned the financial statements provided by Great Lakes and how officials would meet their financial obligations.
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.
First Known Use of opposition
14th century
OPPOSITION Defined for English Language Learners
opposition
playDefinition of opposition for English Language Learners
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: actions or opinions that show that you disagree with or disapprove of someone or something
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: action that is done to stop or defeat someone or something
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the opposition : a person or group that you are trying to defeat or succeed against : a person or group that you are competing with
OPPOSITION Defined for Kids
opposition
playDefinition of opposition for Students
1 : the state of disagreeing with or disapproving of He voiced his opposition.
2 : the action of resisting The proposal met with fierce opposition.
3 : a group of people that disagree with, disapprove of, or resist someone or something
Learn More about opposition
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See words that rhyme with opposition Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for opposition Spanish Central: Translation of opposition Nglish: Translation of opposition for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of opposition for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about opposition
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