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oppose

verb
op·​pose | \ ə-ˈpōz How to pronounce oppose (audio) \
opposed; opposing

Definition of oppose

transitive verb

1 : to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast one military force opposed to another concreteness as opposed to abstraction— L. E. Lynch
2 : to place opposite or against something oppose the enemy oppose a congressional bill
3 : to offer resistance to
Other Words from oppose Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about oppose

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Other Words from oppose

opposer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for oppose

oppose, combat, resist, withstand 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 combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something. combat disease resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it. resisting temptation withstand suggests a more passive resistance. trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of oppose in a Sentence

The governor opposes the death penalty. The change is opposed by many of the town's business leaders. The group opposes the mayor and is trying to find a candidate to run against her. You've opposed every suggestion I've made. He met the man who will oppose him in the next election. These two teams opposed each other in last year's playoffs. We're hoping we can get more senators to oppose the legislation.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The latter scenario is unlikely given that a majority of MPs opposed a no-deal Brexit in previous votes. — Sheena Mckenzie, CNN, "Britain's crazy Brexit crisis is about to get crazier," 3 Sep. 2019 It is caught between opposing monsters: the commercial and communitarian imperative. — Jesse Green, New York Times, "Review: Public Works Finds the Heroism in ‘Hercules’," 2 Sep. 2019 Adams and his supporting cast receivers should strike fear in every opposing defense. — Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, "Why the Chicago Bears should be the favorites to win NFC North this year," 2 Sep. 2019 Francisco, a Lyft driver who didn’t want to give his last name, (pink shirt) holds his own press conference opposing Assembly Bill 5 after Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez held a news conference supporting the bill in San Diego on August 29, 2019. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Big tech or big labor? 2020 Democrats line up with unions," 1 Sep. 2019 Over 160 industry groups signed a letter opposing Trump's tariffs. — Fortune, "Trump’s Trade War with China is about to Hit Home," 31 Aug. 2019 The ability to feign another’s identity with voice is easier than ever with new audio tools and increased reliance on call centers that offer services (as opposed to going to the bank and talking to a teller face-to-face, say). — Ephrat Livni, Quartz, "A new kind of cybercrime uses AI and your voice against you," 31 Aug. 2019 The United States was among those that opposed the new restrictions. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Wildlife Trade Conference Imposes Near-Total Ban on Sending Wild African Elephants to Zoos," 30 Aug. 2019 Polls show that a majority of Americans oppose the wall either in full or as a priority. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "The Great Lie of the Right-Wing Populists," 30 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oppose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of oppose

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for oppose

Middle English opposen "to question, examine, accuse" (as past participle opposed "opposite, contrary"), borrowed from Anglo-French opposer "to counter, argue in opposition, question, interrogate," re-formation, with poser "to place, pose entry 1," of Latin oppōnere (perfect opposuī, past participle oppositus) "to place (over or against), place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply," from ob- ob- + pōnere "to place, set" — more at position entry 1

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More Definitions for oppose

oppose

verb
How to pronounce oppose (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of oppose

: to disagree with or disapprove of (something or someone)
: to compete against (someone) : to be an opponent of (someone)
: to try to stop or defeat (something)

See the full definition for oppose in the English Language Learners Dictionary

oppose

verb
op·​pose | \ ə-ˈpōz How to pronounce oppose (audio) \
opposed; opposing

Kids Definition of oppose

1 : to disagree with or disapprove of They oppose the proposed changes.
2 : to compete against She will oppose the mayor in November's election.
3 : to provide contrast to Good opposes evil.
4 : to offer resistance to : try to stop or defeat The group will oppose the new law.

oppose

transitive verb
op·​pose | \ ə-ˈpōz How to pronounce oppose (audio) \

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