Oppose — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈpōz/ op·pose

Meaning & Definition of Oppose

Oppose (verb)

  1. to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast
  2. to place opposite or against something
  3. to compete against

Oppose (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to refuse to give in to

    "I will continue to oppose any attempts to infringe upon our civil liberties"

    similar: buck, defy, fight, repel, resist, withstand
    related: battle, combat, contend (with), challenge, contest, contradict, dispute, baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart, check, counter, hinder, obstruct, stem
    opposite: bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to)

  2. to strive to reduce or eliminate

    "we must oppose ignorance and prejudice wherever and whenever they arise"

    similar: battle, combat, contend (with), counter, fight, oppugn
    related: baffle, checkmate, foil, frustrate, resist, thwart, withstand, confront, defy, face, meet
    opposite: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote
    near: abide, bear, endure, suffer, advocate, back, champion, endorse, support, uphold

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Oppose

The most common words with a similar meaning to Oppose:

buck, defy, fight, repel, resist, withstand, battle, combat, contend (with), counter, oppugn

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Oppose

Words with the opposite meaning of Oppose:

bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to), advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote

Related Words for Oppose

challenge, contest, contradict, dispute, baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart, check, hinder, obstruct, stem, checkmate, confront, face, meet

Near Antonyms of Oppose

abide, bear, endure, suffer, advocate, back, champion, endorse, support, uphold

Word Forms of Oppose

Inflections: opposed, opposing

Derived words: opposer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of 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: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" position:1

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Oppose

Frequently Asked Questions about Oppose

What does "Oppose" mean?

"Oppose" means to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast. As a verb, it is defined as: to place over against something so as to provide resistance, counterbalance, or contrast. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Oppose"?

Other words for "Oppose" include buck, defy, fight, repel, resist, withstand, battle and combat. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Oppose" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Oppose"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Oppose". Common alternatives include buck, defy, fight, repel, resist, withstand, battle, combat, contend (with) and counter.

What is the opposite of "Oppose"?

Antonyms of "Oppose" include bow (to), capitulate (to), give in (to), knuckle under (to), stoop (to), submit (to), succumb (to) and surrender (to). Near antonyms include abide, bear, endure and suffer.

How do you use "Oppose" in a sentence?

Examples of "Oppose" in a sentence: "I will continue to oppose any attempts to infringe upon our civil liberties"; "we must oppose ignorance and prejudice wherever and whenever they arise".

Is "Oppose" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Oppose" is a verb.

Is "Oppose" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Oppose" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Oppose"?

"Oppose" is pronounced /ə-ˈpōz/ and divided into syllables as op·pose.