Synonyms of oppose

oppose

verb

ə-ˈpōz 

1

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

• resist
• fight
• withstand
• repel
• defy
• thwart
• contradict
• combat
• contend (with)
• hinder
• challenge
• buck
• counter
• contest
• obstruct
• dispute
• frustrate
• stem
• balk
• check
• battle
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

2

as in to fight

to strive to reduce or eliminate

we must oppose ignorance and prejudice wherever and whenever they arise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fight
• combat
• resist
• confront
• counter
• withstand
• battle
• contend (with)
• thwart
• oppugn
• frustrate
• face
• foil
• defy
• baffle
• meet
• checkmate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• encourage
• promote
• forward
• advance
• cultivate
• foster
• further
• suffer
• endure
• support
• abide
• bear
• nurture
• endorse
• nourish
• advocate
• uphold
• back
• indorse
• champion

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

Recent Examples of oppose

The group's visit to a major shrine, overseen by the Israeli military, was opposed by Druze leaders in the rest of Syria. —Jane Arraf, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025

While most of the council was in favor, a majority of residents in public comment opposed the idea. —Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Flaherty, back with the Tigers this season, won’t get that support on Wednesday, as Fried will oppose him on the mound at Comerica Park. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025

In special House elections during Trump era, fortune rarely favors opposing party In: Adam Schiff Politics Washington D.C. —Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2025