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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
According to the most recent computer Maxwell Ratings projections, the Raiders will be favored by at least 45 points in all five of their remaining games, against Chapel Hill, Osborne, Alexander, South Paulding and South Cobb. — Chip Saye, AJC.com, 26 Sep. 2026 Now, Anthropic has lost a key battle in its fight against being designated a supply chain risk by the US government. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 26 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
  • Get a bottle of wine from the Kinderhook Bottle Shop to enjoy on the inn porch before dinner at the Mediterranean small-plate restaurant Isola (which even offers a discount for guests of the inn).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But the specific version — the daily call, first name on the sheet every morning.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Looking back, the relationships don’t seem diametrically opposed.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Those changes won over the support of Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, but most county leaders remain opposed.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 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
  • Tribal leaders say the bay partnership proved unwilling to offer signatory status, a failure to recognize tribal sovereignty, said Melissa Ann Ehrenreich, executive director of the council.
    — Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Unaware or unwilling to acknowledge how much our parents have sacrificed to get us here.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • Stella McCartney x Bugaboo Footmuff Cocoon your babe in thermoregulating plushness with this footmuff, benefitting from reflective touches for night walks, a water-averse zipper, and a shoe shield that will maintain a spotless interior.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Saleh, more conflict-averse by nature, wasn’t a great personality fit for Johnson’s blunt communication style.
    — Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • The decision to keep him home was framed as protective rather than reluctant.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But when Emma never shows up to their meeting, Pao and Dante will have to go on an epic quest— filled with awkward moments, sarcasm, and somewhat reluctant friendships—to save their best friend.
    — Kavya Dhillon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of reluctant

Phrases Containing against

Browse Nearby Words

again and again
against
agape
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Against.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/against. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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