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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

 In addition, Polish powers, opposed to Russia’s interference in their country, also had a vested interest in undermining the new empress. — National Geographic, "This 'pretender princess' tried to steal Catherine the Great's throne," 6 Aug. 2019 Florida strip club DJ Cesar Sayoc, who pleaded guilty to sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and other people opposed to President Trump, was sentenced Monday to 20 years behind bars. — Fox News, "Pipe bomb mailer Cesar Sayoc sentenced to 20 years behind bars," 5 Aug. 2019 The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office opposes the demands. — Eric Heisig, cleveland.com, "Judge wants to know how former Akron police chief’s criminal conviction affects lawsuit against city," 2 Aug. 2019 The campaign was divisive and well publicized; Jack Kemp and William Bennett opposed Prop. — James P. Sutton, National Review, "Why the GOP Has Declined in California," 1 Aug. 2019 Coming into the game, Maeda had the lowest ERA all time at Coors Field (2.41) by an opposing pitcher with at least seven starts here. — Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, "Rockies’ Jon Gray dominates Dodgers in 9-1 victory," 29 July 2019 But most congressional Democrats opposed NAFTA in the 1990s and the Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2015-’16. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "Elizabeth Warren’s vision for changing America’s trade policy, explained," 29 July 2019 Humanity has been given access to thousands of Earth-like planets which has created a land rush and furthered tensions between the opposing nations of Earth, Mars and the Belt. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "Amazon renews Carnival Row ahead of its debut, The Expanse season 5 and more," 27 July 2019 The contentious debate has spawned the formation of an opposing group called Nod Preservation, Inc. — a conglomerate of residents and non-residents who have started a petition to prevent the development. — Shannon Larson, courant.com, "Opponents speak out against Nod Road development at Avon hearing," 24 July 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 t

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