Synonyms of oppose

oppose

verb

ə-ˈpōz 

1

as in to resist

to refuse to give in to

I will continue to oppose any attempts to infringe upon our civil liberties

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resist
• fight
• withstand
• repel
• defy
• thwart
• contradict
• combat
• contend (with)
• hinder
• challenge
• buck
• counter
• contest
• obstruct
• dispute
• frustrate
• stem
• balk
• check
• battle
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

2

as in to fight

to strive to reduce or eliminate

we must oppose ignorance and prejudice wherever and whenever they arise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fight
• combat
• resist
• confront
• counter
• withstand
• battle
• contend (with)
• thwart
• oppugn
• frustrate
• face
• foil
• defy
• baffle
• meet
• checkmate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• promote
• forward
• advance
• cultivate
• foster
• further
• suffer
• support
• endure
• abide
• bear
• nurture
• endorse
• nourish
• advocate
• uphold
• back
• champion

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

Recent Examples of oppose

Newsom now has the choice whether to let that bill, which is opposed by PG&E and Southern California Edison, become law or to veto it. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

That's the only reasonable and rational position, which is why Rapinoe opposes it so fiercely. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Speakers blasted the opposing party as socialists and communists in speech after speech. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026

He’ll be opposed by Michigan LB Troy Bowles and DE Dominic Nichols. — Eddie Timanus, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026