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

Here are some of the comments made by opposing head coaches at SEC media days. — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 24 July 2026

James Dolan, the billionaire owner of the NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers, has also strongly opposed any plans to relocate MSG. — Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Jared Verse, traded to Cleveland in the Garrett blockbuster, commanded some extra attention that freed up the likes of Byron Young and Kobie Turner, but nothing compared to what Garrett will do to opposing offensive game plans. — Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 23 July 2026

Albania, a nation of fewer than 3 million people, is one of the most pro-American countries in the world, and has been since the United States opposed Albanian partition all the way back in 1920. — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026