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
Yes, the fourth-quarter comeback win against Ohio State still carries weight in terms of upcoming CFP rankings. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Runa’s incarceration – and death months after her release – is now the subject of a lawsuit brought by her mother against Hyogo Prefectural Police alleging unlawful arrest and detention. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 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
  • Although the Cabinet members’ wins add to a growing GOP tradition in Florida — a Democrat hasn’t won statewide in the Sunshine State since 2018 — Democrats on Tuesday won surprise victories in congress and the state legislature.
    — Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • While the drinks at Bastia, which are riffs on classic aperitivos and Italian-leaning cocktails, are excellent, cocktail lovers should pay a visit to Caletta, the hotel’s intimate 24-seat cocktail lounge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Democrats are strongly opposed to the kind of corrupt authoritarian government that Republicans seem unwilling to even speak out against.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The incidents are seen as minor in view of the deep polarization and confrontation among opposed camps in Serbia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 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
  • Meanwhile, Democrats are strongly opposed to the kind of corrupt authoritarian government that Republicans seem unwilling to even speak out against.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In a choppy video, the man appears to accuse the former Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, now seen as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strongest challenger, of planning to govern with Hamas supporters or of being unwilling to destroy Hamas.
    — Nadav Eyal, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • That trust has been enhanced by a strong presence in Japan’s top luxury department stores, such as Isetan and Hankyu, which are notoriously risk-averse, usually only stocking names that carry generational heritage.
    — Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Russia may emerge from the war in Ukraine more capable and less risk averse.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • Yale’s men, picked third in the Ivy League preseason poll, figure to have strong guard play this season and power conference teams are as ever, reluctant to play the dangerous Bulldogs.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Haitian police officers have complained that the foreign soldiers are reluctant to confront gangs or hold territory taken back from gangs.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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