OPPOSE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'oppose' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of oppose are combat , resist , and withstand . While all these words 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

Q: When can 'combat' be used instead of 'oppose'?

Although the words combat and oppose have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something. // combat disease

Q: When is 'resist' a more appropriate choice than 'oppose'?

While in some cases nearly identical to oppose , resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it. // resisting temptation

Q: In what contexts can 'withstand' take the place of 'oppose'?

The words withstand and oppose can be used in similar contexts, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance. // trying to withstand peer pressure

oppose

verb

ə-ˈpōz

Definition of oppose next

as in to resist

to refuse to give in to I will continue to oppose any attempts to infringe upon our civil liberties

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fight

to strive to reduce or eliminate we must oppose ignorance and prejudice wherever and whenever they arise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb oppose differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of oppose are combat, resist, and withstand. While all these words 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

When can combat be used instead of oppose?

Although the words combat and oppose have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

When is resist a more appropriate choice than oppose?

While in some cases nearly identical to oppose, resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

In what contexts can withstand take the place of oppose?

The words withstand and oppose can be used in similar contexts, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of oppose At the same time, Republicans opposed a minimum wage increase, preventing it from winning a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. —

Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025 In the sixties and seventies, U.S. Steel had been known to actively oppose community upgrades, for fear of improvements leading to higher property taxes. —

Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 While a majority, 56%, favor 10% tariffs on China that Trump imposed, similar majorities oppose his plans to place 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and so-far unspecified future tariffs on European nations, the poll said. —

Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2025 For example, while 56% approve of tariffs on China, 62% oppose tariffs on Canadian goods. —

Avery Lotz, Axios, 9 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for oppose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose

Verb

Tory Burch, known for its 2000s Reva ballet flat that even Oprah herself couldn’t resist wearing, is experiencing somewhat of a Tory Burch renaissance these past couple years.

— Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2025
Their attorneys fought the charges and resisted the Justice Department's previous efforts to keep the cases moving forward on appeal after Mr. Trump's election win.

— Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025