oppose

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of oppose Much of the concern about the measure came from local governments -- including the cities of Merced, Modesto, San Luis Obispo and Folsom -- that opposed rolling back control that cities have over developments in their communities. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025 Miami further stresses defenses by often putting them in motion at the snap to force split-second communication in opposing secondaries. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025 But while Collier demands most of the opposing defense’s attention, the Lynx have a plethora of options to go to. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025 Baldoni’s lawyers have opposed Lively’s request for a blanket extension. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oppose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose
Verb
  • Cook, who remains at the Federal Reserve, has sued the president to resist her dismissal.
    Chris Prentice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Other times, long rates resist or even rise, flattening the curve and blunting the Fed’s impact.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among other resources, two engines have also been deployed to fight the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Her grandfather served in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In recent years, as Bolsonaro and his allies engineered a pervasive campaign of false claims on the Brazilian internet, de Moraes led an effort to combat disinformation.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Over the past two years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has shifted its focus to combating specific practices within surveillance advertising, particularly those involving sensitive data, lack of consent or deceptive and unfair practices.
    Jodi Daniels, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oppose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppose. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oppose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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