opposition

noun

op·​po·​si·​tion ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce opposition (audio)
1
: a configuration (see configuration sense 1b) in which one celestial (see celestial entry 1 sense 2) body is opposite another (such as the sun) in the sky or in which the elongation (see elongation sense 1) is near or equal to 180 degrees
2
: the relation between two propositions having the same subject and predicate but differing in quantity or quality or both
3
: an act of setting opposite or over against : the condition of being so set
He spoke in opposition to the new law.
4
: hostile or contrary action or condition
offered strong opposition to the advance of the enemy
5
a
: something that opposes
specifically : a body of persons opposing something
Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.
b
often capitalized : a political party opposing and prepared to replace the party in power
The opposition is likely to win the upcoming election.
oppositional adjective

Examples of opposition in a Sentence

They're going ahead with the plans despite strong opposition from residents. The nominee faces strong opposition in the Senate. The proposed change has met with opposition from the town's business leaders. Rebels have so far offered little opposition to advancing troops. Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition. The coach advised her team not to underestimate the opposition. The leader of the Opposition criticized the prime minister for his comments.
Recent Examples on the Web As part of the complex deal, Russia released 16 prisoners, including political prisoners aligned with deceased opposition leader Alexei Navalny while the Western countries released eight Russians. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 18 Oct. 2024 So far real estate groups in opposition have raised more than $100 million to fight Proposition 33. Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 In opposition, Bongenaar prefers the cluttered look to complement her old kitchen and exude the eclectic nature of her treasure trove. Camille Freestone, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 The other side: An opposition group that formed to defeat the referendum is critical of raising the sales tax to create a funding source for transit. Adam Tamburin, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for opposition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opposition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English opposicioun "location opposite something, contrary opinion, opposition of celestial bodies," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French oposicion (Anglo-French opposicion "objection, questioning"), borrowed from Medieval Latin oppositiōn-, oppositiō, going back to Late Latin, "contradiction, antithesis" (loan translation of Greek antíthesis), from Latin opposi-, variant stem of oppōnere "to place (over or against), place as an obstacle, set in opposition to, argue in reply" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at oppose

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of opposition was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near opposition

Cite this Entry

“Opposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opposition. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

opposition

noun
op·​po·​si·​tion ˌäp-ə-ˈzish-ən How to pronounce opposition (audio)
1
: the state of being opposite
2
: the action of resisting
offer opposition to a plan
the opposition of two forces
3
a
: a group of persons (as a team or an enemy force) that oppose someone or something
b
often capitalized : a political party opposing the party in power

More from Merriam-Webster on opposition

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