oppose

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb oppose differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of oppose are combat, resist, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When can combat be used instead of oppose?

Although the words combat and oppose have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

When is resist a more appropriate choice than oppose?

While in some cases nearly identical to oppose, resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

In what contexts can withstand take the place of oppose?

The words withstand and oppose can be used in similar contexts, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

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 oppose Scorpio is known for their stingers, which hurt people who oppose their views. Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 In May, the Virginia Mercury reported that Earle-Sears had vowed to oppose same-sex adoption rights and workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people in a 2004 survey from an anti-LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Samantha Riedel, Them., 10 Oct. 2025 Following Singh’s ouster, the other two Tata Sons board members opposed Mistry’s appointment to the third seat, according to the industry source. Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025 The Los Angeles City Council also voted on a measure opposing the bill. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oppose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose
Verb
  • Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island have long resisted the ongoing settler colonial project that is now the United States.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Ever since the company’s founder was pushed out and fled Russia in 2014 for resisting Kremlin demands and the company was handed over to Putin allies, VK has been more than pliant in cooperating with the state.
    Justin Sherman, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Davis was a civil rights lawyer who fought to desegregate public schools in Texas.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Among other resources, four engines have also been deployed to fight the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While the topical application of minoxidil is one of the most effective and popular ways to combat male pattern baldness, it is poorly absorbed by the skin.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Leaders across the industry are fighting to combat a global luxury slowdown and searching for new ways to maintain relevancy, reinvigorate their relationships with shoppers, while improving their bottom line.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oppose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppose. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oppose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!