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

Relevance
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
The conference changed its timekeeping policy in 2002 after a controversial last-second spike for Michigan State against Michigan the previous year. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 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
  • That last might be especially true for female human beings who may be more encouraged to have derived an identity based on our role as marital partner or parent.
    — Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The jury did convict Rosado of driving under the influence and he was sentenced to five years in prison, but Rosado has been behind bars on a $2 million bail since 2021 so won't have to serve any additional time.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Thus polytheistic worship of deities and monist philosophy are not opposed but rather different ways of reaching the divine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those opposed weren’t necessarily Trump supporters, according to Tierney.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 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
  • The willingness to act Politicians are often unwilling to do difficult things like cut spending or raise taxes, even in the best of times.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The film is set in 17th-century Europe, where two women fleeing the witch hunts create a refuge at the edge of the world, until a man becomes their unwilling captive and sparks a dangerous love triangle.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • This reliance on firepower reflects a relatively risk-averse approach to ground combat.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Their debates can get heated, but Gray, who describes himself as a conflict-averse person in a high-conflict business, says the criticism should never be personal.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • Families are making difficult decisions with some residents reluctant to leave their homes.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The penalties are a key point because, though the judge could clear the players to be eligible, a school may still be reluctant to risk being penalized by the conference.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 31 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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