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 of oppose in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Vice President Kamala Harris opposed fracking during her bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. —

Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 Karen Fredericks Saratoga In Santa Cruz County, vote no to Measure Q For many reasons, the Santa Cruz County Fire Chief’s Association opposes Measure Q. —

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 2024 Which, of course, means opposing much of what Trump’s own administration put together on AI. —

Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024 Nearly three-fourths of respondents opposed the split, 8% supported it and 19% had either no opinion or needed more information. —

Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for oppose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose

Verb

Banks and credit card companies will resist a market dominated by one or two stablecoins.

Christian Catalini, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
On Sunday morning, resist the urge to sleep in for more than an extra hour.

Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024