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

Examples 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 Early results released shortly after the close of polls Tuesday night had more Santa Ana voters opposed than in favor of allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections and City Council raises. —

Destiny Torres, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024 Famous for being a site of political contention (ahem, Rosie O’Donnell versus Elisabeth Hasselbeck), the show today saw the five hosts, who all oppose Trump, instead sorrowfully eulogizing democracy. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 The Associated Press declared Proposition 137 had failed election night when results showed three of every four Arizonans opposed the measure. —

Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Midway through the campaign, he’s kept opposing quarterbacks under a 72.1 passer rating in all but three games, tallying 28 tackles, one interception, and four passes defensed while allowing just one touchdown in coverage. —

Jesse Reed, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oppose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose

Verb

California’s choice to resist potential policies that are threatening to its citizens is very necessary.

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
The former can’t resist the allure of a tobacco and vaping tax, while the latter has fallen back in love with look, sensations and aesthetics of smoking.

Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024