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

Flores makes no bones about his desire to apply a vise grip to opposing offenses. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Don’t expect Boise State to move away from the blitz, though — at the end of the day, the Broncos have faced a Heisman Trophy candidate QB in Oregon’s Dante Moore, and a Memphis offense that asks opposing defenses to cover a lot of space. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Sep. 2026

The measure passed, 262-159, with 58 Democrats supporting the sanctions package and just seven Republicans opposing it. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2026

The school board voted to pass a resolution opposing the project and is calling on Sacramento-area agencies to deny the permits needed to build and operate the crematorium. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026