WordLens

oppose

1 of 1verb
/ə.ˈpoʊz/
Forms:opposes,opposing,opposed,opposed
1

to firmly resist something

transitive
  • The workers opposed the safety changes, pushing back against the new regulations.
  • He opposed the police’s orders to disperse, standing firm in the protest.
  • The group opposed the authority’s orders, continuing to protest despite warnings.
  • The students opposed the new school policy, refusing to participate in the mandatory assemblies.
  • They opposed the eviction notice, refusing to leave the property until their case was heard.
Synonyms:
defendfight backfight downfight
2

to strongly disagree with a policy, plan, idea, etc. and try to prevent or change it

B2transitive
  • The local residents opposed the construction of the new factory due to environmental concerns.
  • She opposed the new regulations, arguing that they were too restrictive for small businesses.
  • The senator opposed the bill, citing its potential negative impact on the economy.
  • They opposed the company's decision to cut employee benefits, leading to a protest.
  • He strongly opposed her idea, believing it would not solve the underlying problem.
3

to place something against another thing in order to create a contrast, balance, or counterbalance

transitive
  • The dark colors of the walls oppose the bright furniture, creating a striking contrast.
  • The soft melody of the song opposed the harsh sounds of the industrial noises outside.
  • The new policy will oppose the previous one by offering more flexible options.
  • The artist skillfully opposed light and shadow in the painting to create dramatic effect.
  • He placed the heavy sculpture in the garden to oppose the delicate flowers around it.
Synonyms:
counterbalance
4

to engage in a contest or competition with someone, aiming to defeat them

transitive
  • He had to oppose his toughest rival in the final round of the tournament.
  • The two teams will oppose each other in the championship game next week.
  • She was excited to oppose the defending champion in the upcoming match.
  • He will oppose his brother in a tennis match this weekend.
  • In the chess tournament, they will oppose each other for the championship.
Synonyms:
play offmatchpit
5

to counter or raise something or someone against another

transitive
  • The lawyer opposed the defendant's argument by presenting new evidence.
  • The candidate opposed the rival's claims with a detailed rebuttal.
  • She posed a tough question to oppose the idea of the speaker’s solution.
  • The teacher opposed the student’s hypothesis with evidence from different studies.
  • The debate was heated, with each side opposing the other’s viewpoint strongly.
Synonyms:
react