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 The Federal Reserve’s vice-chair for supervision Michelle Bowman is now the second Fed official to support rate cuts as soon as July, opposing Fed chair Jerome Powell. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 24 June 2025 Smith’s comments came after a speaker, who did not give his name, made references to Chicago public housing high rises of the 1960s in his remarks opposing affordable housing in Wilmette. Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 Yet the war is finding no visible support among Iranians once imprisoned there—the activists who have risked their lives opposing the regime Washington and Tel Aviv want to change. Karl Vick, Time, 23 June 2025 Sell discussing keeping tabs on activists opposed to the project, the Observer previously reported. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for oppose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose
Verb
  • But the big challenge for Świątek, resisting a reversion to the baseline aggression when matches get stressful, also gets magnified on grass, where sets can disappear in minutes and errors rack up more easily and quickly.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 5 July 2025
  • The Supreme Court upheld that ruling and ordered the administration to begin the process of releasing him, but officials resisted bringing him back until he was indicted on the human smuggling charges in May.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • As most skin care buffs know, hyaluronic acid is a holy grail humectant used in skin care and makeup to retain moisture, retain elasticity, and fight aging.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 26 June 2025
  • Reggie Greer, who served as a senior advisor on LGBTQI+ Persons at the State Department in the Biden administration, remembers being in North Carolina during the 2016 bathroom bill fight.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at rolling back DEI initiatives, with one of them including directives for federal agencies to combat DEI in the private sector.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • Since Schill’s last testimony, Walberg said, congressional leaders have not received any documentation or updates on the university’s efforts to combat antisemitism.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Oppose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppose. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on oppose

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