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oppose Definition

op·pose (ə pōz′)

transitive verb -·posed′, -·pos′·ing

  1. to set against; place opposite, in balance or contrast
  2. to contend with in speech or action; resist; withstand

Etymology: ME opposen < OFr opposer, altered (infl. by poser: see pose) < L opponere: see opponent

intransitive verb

to act in opposition

oppose Related Forms
op·pos′er noun
oppose Synonyms

oppose

v.

  1. To hold a contrary opinion

    object, expose, disapprove, debate, dispute, contradict, argue, search out, deny, run counter to, protest, defy, cross, taunt, controvert, cope, speak against, gainsay, confront, thwart, neutralize, reverse, turn the tables, not countenance, be opposed to, oppose change, not have any part of, face down, militate against, interfere with, disapprove of, cry out against, disagree with, not conform, run against, run counter to, come in conflict with, not abide, go contrary to, part company with, frown at, not be good for, not accept, call in question, be at cross purposes, contrast with, conflict with, grapple with, doubt, be reluctant, be against, be unwilling, reject, dislike, demur, deprecate, take exception, repudiate, repugn, question, probe, resist, confound, confute, refute, stand up for the other side, cry out against*, buck*, turn thumbs down*, cry down*, swim against the stream*, have a brush with*; see also sense 2, dare 2, face 1.

    Antonyms agree*, approve, accept.

  2. To fight

    resist, battle, encounter, confront, bombard, assault, attack, assail, storm, protest, clash, meet, skirmish, engage, contest, face, restrain, go against, match against, turn against, count against, mark against, uphold, defend, rebel, revolt, secede, mutiny, strike back, combat, run counter to, defy, snub, infringe, strive against, run against, grapple with, fight off, withstand, repel, guard, safeguard, act, shield, counterattack, struggle, outflank, antagonize, retaliate, impede, overpower, take on all comers*, scrap*, lock horns with*, go to the mat*, fly in the face of*; see also fight 2.

oppose Usage Examples

Object

  • war: Similar numbers had taken to the streets on 15 February 2003 to oppose the war against Iraq.
  • racism: The SWP refused to oppose state racism rather than upset Labor Party supporters.
  • viewpoint: For an opposing viewpoint, read Nico's earlier post - Transporting us to Victorian Britain.
  • proposal: He strongly opposed the proposal by Benjamin Disraeli to introduce his own parliamentary reform bill.
  • faction: Came into conflict with the governor Orestes, who formed a ( mainly Xn ) political faction opposed to Cyril.
  • incinerator: FoE opposes new incinerators because they encourage waste, use resources and energy inefficiently and can produce harmful toxins.

Subject

  • majority: That he is now opposed by a majority of the electors and at least half the Establishment will then count for nothing.
  • resident: It was a controversial idea which initially, and understandably, was opposed by residents who lived nearby.
  • union: The sale has been strongly opposed by trades unions and the local MP, Robert Maclennan, who were concerned about safety.

Modifying Another Word

  • diametrically: How do they cope when peers express strong views diametrically opposed to their own?
  • strongly: She was also strongly opposed to the death penalty.
  • vehemently: The FARC vehemently opposes Plan Colombia for obvious reasons.
  • vigorously: Conclusion Any attempt to ban further weapons systems will be vigorously opposed by the military establishments of more nations than the United States alone.
  • bitterly: Winston Churchill led a number of MPs who bitterly opposed it.
  • fiercely: Apple had fiercely opposed the bill, calling it " state sponsored piracy " .

Infinitive complement

  • double: You will also do better to use single hook rigs as opposed to double sets, which we sell in the shop.

Preposition: in

  • principle: NGC are pursuing the accesses needed for the Lackenby - Picton line, which Revolt doesn't oppose in principle.

Preposition: for

  • reason: Sometimes this appears to be little more than exhortation of Governmental policy which a Local Authority should only challenge or oppose for good reason.

Preposition: by

  • majority: That he is now opposed by a majority of the electors and at least half the Establishment will then count for nothing.
  • resident: It was a controversial idea which initially, and understandably, was opposed by residents who lived nearby.