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

Her designs may set up a showdown with the German Chancellor, the center-right Friedrich Merz, who opposes the plan to socialize housing. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Cousins operates a quick-release passing game, neutralizing opposing pass rushers. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

The council voted 6-1 to endorse Propositions 1, 3 and 37 and oppose Propositions 39 and 43. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Pitching is the great equalizer in the postseason, and both teams will send out quality pitchers that can make things tough on opposing lineups. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026