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 Cuomo and Adams are widely seen as sharing a similar base of older, more moderate voters who oppose Mamdani’s progressive agenda. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025 Four Turkish mayors who had opposed the country’s president were arrested this week, amid a widening crackdown that has ensnared more than 500 government critics. semafor.com, 11 July 2025 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday, is pulled between the US and his allies on the far right who oppose a ceasefire. semafor.com, 6 July 2025 Veteran righthander Cal Quantrill will take the mound on Saturday, opposing Brewers rookie Chad Patrick in Game 2 of the series. Miami Herald, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for oppose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose
Verb
  • All good people, regardless of fundamental beliefs, need to vigorously, with courage, resist the sickness that is Trump and MAGA.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • While other European markets have struggled with EV sales or considered rolling back clean transport policies, the UK has resisted industry calls for rollbacks and its committed to its long range policies.
    Margo T. Oge, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The tribe also has fought to preserve shrinking numbers of the c'waam and koptu, two fish species central to the three tribal cultures that form the tribe.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • Experts say the relatively simple way to survive this current is to float, stay as calm as possible and don’t fight it.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • The department first introduced the program earlier this summer as one of its measures to combat an uptick in crime across the city, particularly in the urban core.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • The players are combating the heat, but the baseballs may be embracing it.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oppose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppose. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oppose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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