OPPOSITION Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

opposition

noun

ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən

as in resistance

the inclination to resist most of the opposition to the proposed smoking ban is coming from bar owners worried about its impact on their businesses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in oppositeness

the quality or state of being as different as possible her actions stand in direct opposition to her words

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 opposition Tarver went on to criticize Arena’s lobbying efforts, pointing to how his team didn’t testify against the head tax and sports betting bills despite the city’s opposition to them, only for those measures to sail through committees. —

Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 The proposal also is sparking opposition for what land — and trees — would be cleared to make way for the driving range. —

Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2026 The vocal opposition in Europe to Trump's war against Iran has started to turn into action. —

Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2026 This was not a new way of delivering opposition research, but an official campaign event for Platner's supporters. —

ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opposition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposition

Noun

This approach had a lasting impact, and even centuries after the mainline Crusades to the Holy Land ended, the pope continued to invoke the concept of holy war to justify resistance against the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim entities.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026
That would involve changing some state laws, persuading housing lenders to be more accommodating and overcoming resistance from construction unions.

— Dan Walters, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026