OPPOSE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

oppose

verb

ə-ˈpōz

Definition of oppose next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fight

to strive to reduce or eliminate we must oppose ignorance and prejudice wherever and whenever they arise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of oppose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Journal Sentinel talked to several liberal-leaning voting rights groups — including the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, All Voting is Local and Law Forward — that oppose the referendum question. —

Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 26 Sep. 2024 At the time, a small group of House Republicans joined with most Democrats to oppose the measure. —

Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 25 Sep. 2024 And while their explosive offense has been lacking at times, their defense has picked up the slack and put the clamps on opposing attacks. —

Ben Morse, CNN, 25 Sep. 2024 Kounalakis has highlighted her work in the largely ceremonial job opposing college tuition hikes, combating climate change and protecting women’s rights. —

Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oppose

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oppose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.