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oppose

/əˈpoʊz/

/əˈpəʊz/

Other forms: opposed; opposing; opposes

To oppose something is to go against it or fight hard to stop it. A senator might oppose a bill, or a teen might oppose authority.

Words starting with opp-, like opposite, opponent, and oppose, usually hint that there's a disagreement somewhere. You might oppose a decision if you don't agree with it or if it's the opposite of what you believe or know is right. Sometimes, though, to oppose just means to be on the other team.

Definitions of oppose
  1. verb
    be against; express opposition to
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    types:
    contend, contest, repugn
    make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation
    challenge, dispute, gainsay
    take exception to
    type of:
    argue, contend, debate, fence
    have an argument about something
  2. verb
    be resistant to
    “The board opposed his motion”
    synonyms: contradict, controvert
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    types:
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    blackball, negative, veto
    vote against; refuse to endorse; refuse to assent
    dissent, protest, resist
    express opposition through action or words
    strike, walk out
    stop work in order to press demands
    defeat, kill, shoot down, vote down, vote out
    thwart the passage of
    demonstrate, march
    march in protest; take part in a demonstration
    arise, rebel, rise, rise up
    take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
    rebel, renegade
    break with established customs
    type of:
    confound, rebut, refute
    overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
  3. verb
    fight against or resist strongly
    “The senator said he would oppose the bill”
    synonyms: defend, fight, fight back, fight down
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    types:
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    recalcitrate
    show strong objection or repugnance; manifest vigorous opposition or resistance; be obstinately disobedient
    fend, resist, stand
    withstand the force of something
    hold out, resist, stand firm, withstand
    stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something
    drive back, fight off, rebuff, repel, repulse
    force or drive back
    stand out
    be stubborn in resolution or resistance
    stand up
    refuse to back down; remain solid under criticism or attack
    outbrave
    resist bravely
    hold off
    resist and fight to a standoff
    remain firm, stand
    hold one's ground; maintain a position; be steadfast or upright
    defy, hold, hold up, withstand
    resist or confront with resistance
    type of:
    contend, fight, struggle
    be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
  4. verb
    act against or in opposition to
    synonyms: react
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    types:
    act on, follow up on, pursue
    carry further or advance
    buck, go against
    resist
    check out, run down
    trace
    type of:
    act, move
    perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
  5. verb
    contrast with equal weight or force
    synonyms: counterbalance
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    types:
    counterpoise, counterpose, counterweight
    constitute a counterweight or counterbalance to
    type of:
    contrast, counterpoint
    show differences when compared; be different
  6. verb
    set into opposition or rivalry
    synonyms: match, pit, play off
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    type of:
    confront, face
    oppose, as in hostility or a competition
Pronunciation
US

/əˈpoʊz/

UK

/əˈpəʊz/

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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘oppose'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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