against 1 of 2

preposition

ə-ˈgen(t)st How to pronounce against (audio)
Definition of againstnext
1
as in on
in or into contact with he leaned against the fence and it collapsed unwittingly rubbed his leg against some poison ivy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in anti
opposed to; not for I'm against going to see the parade if it's raining

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

against

2 of 2

adjective

as in opposed

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of against
Preposition
This is pro sports, and valuing past performance against current or predicted production is a terrible data point. — Mac Engel july 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026 In the playoff game against Penn State in 2024 at the Fiesta Bowl, three of his six interceptions on the season came while BSU was trying to get back into the game with the Nittany Lions. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026
Adjective
The hardworking, hard-to-play-against, honest types that get after it for your team or make life difficult on the opposing team with their persistence or heaviness. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Many of these are responses to the above points on the ‘against’ side, and some of them are proposals for directions to explore to help overcome the issues raised. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for against
Recent Examples of Synonyms for against
  1. on
  2. opposed
  3. upon
  4. unwilling
  5. averse
  6. reluctant
Preposition
  • Adam Dietz, PhD, is a philosopher-writer, broadcaster, and podcaster focused on wisdom as a lived practice.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 31 July 2026
  • The Herald reported Whitaker’s statement on July 17 in a story that first disclosed the GMCVB’s ticket gift to Rodriguez through the commissioner’s political action committee, A Bolder Florida.
    — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • On July 14, council member Meredith Stead pointed to two neighborhood associations in her district — one in favor of the designation, the other strongly opposed.
    — Mark Dee July 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026
  • Prosper Insights & Analytics The finding suggests that Americans are not necessarily opposed to AI innovation.
    — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of opposed
Preposition
  • An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said.
    — DJ Simmons June 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • Since Köhler's early work, researchers have conducted similar experiments involving an out-of-reach reward and an object to stand upon in birds and elephants.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 June 2026
Definition of upon
Adjective
  • Iran wants full control over the Strait of Hormuz and seems unwilling to settle, analysts said.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 July 2026
  • The surprise element to this move is that Madrid themselves had been unwilling to sign him until very recently.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • The Lacobs were ultimately too risk-averse, too cautious, and too self-absorbed to build anything of worth without their former general manager.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
  • But while her style remains endlessly influential, most of Birkin’s make-up-averse acolytes are more likely to be multi-hyphenate creatives than, say, investment bankers with seven figures to spare.
    — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 21 July 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • The French government has historically been far more accommodating toward Moscow than either London or Washington, and the TotalEnergies leadership was visibly reluctant to sever ties with Russia ties throughout the conflict.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Many people were reluctant to speak, as if the virus were taboo.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 July 2026
Definition of reluctant

Phrases Containing against

Browse Nearby Words

again and again
against
agape
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Cite this Entry

“Against.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/against. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of against for Spanish Speakers

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