opposition
noun
op·po·si·tion
ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən 
1
: a configuration (see configuration sense 1b) in which one celestial (see celestial entry 1 sense 2) body is opposite another (such as the sun) in the sky or in which the elongation (see elongation sense 1) is near or equal to 180 degrees
2
: the relation between two propositions having the same subject and predicate but differing in quantity or quality or both
3
: an act of setting opposite or over against : the condition of being so set
He spoke in opposition to the new law.
4
: hostile or contrary action or condition
offered strong opposition to the advance of the enemy
5
a
: something that opposes
specifically
: a body of persons opposing something
Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.
b
often capitalized
: a political party opposing and prepared to replace the party in power
The opposition is likely to win the upcoming election.
Examples of opposition in a Sentence
They're going ahead with the plans despite strong opposition from residents.
The nominee faces strong opposition in the Senate.
The proposed change has met with opposition from the town's business leaders.
Rebels have so far offered little opposition to advancing troops.
Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.
The coach advised her team not to underestimate the opposition.
The leader of the Opposition criticized the prime minister for his comments.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to send a letter expressing its opposition to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024
The state’s absurd railroad mandate has drawn near-unanimous opposition in filings with the EPA.
—Dominic Pino, National Review, 27 Apr. 2024
Especially if a winning opposition coalition fails to improve the quality of Indian lives, an electorally resurgent Modi and his Hindutva supporters could potentially seal democracy’s fate.
—Ashoka Mody, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024
How the Israel-Hamas war spurred challengers in 2024 In the 2024 election cycle, The Squad's response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has generated opposition within their own party.
—Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2024
Hitler exploited his 37% to gridlock legislative processes, to cudgel or crush the political opposition, and ultimately to undermine the country’s democratic structures.
—Timothy Ryback, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024
Again, there is sure to be stern opposition to the ruling from existing companies who do not want their employees to leave and either join or start rival firms.
—Matt Marx, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
The timing of an attack now awaits approval by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, Israeli and Western media reported, as some observers believe that President Joe Biden’s opposition to an assault has softened.
—Dan Morrison, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
Despite pushback from some young voters and a lobbying campaign against the move by TikTok, key opposition to the provision ultimately dissipated.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2024
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024
The state’s absurd railroad mandate has drawn near-unanimous opposition in filings with the EPA.
—Dominic Pino, National Review, 27 Apr. 2024
Especially if a winning opposition coalition fails to improve the quality of Indian lives, an electorally resurgent Modi and his Hindutva supporters could potentially seal democracy’s fate.
—Ashoka Mody, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024
How the Israel-Hamas war spurred challengers in 2024 In the 2024 election cycle, The Squad's response to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has generated opposition within their own party.
—Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2024
Hitler exploited his 37% to gridlock legislative processes, to cudgel or crush the political opposition, and ultimately to undermine the country’s democratic structures.
—Timothy Ryback, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024
Again, there is sure to be stern opposition to the ruling from existing companies who do not want their employees to leave and either join or start rival firms.
—Matt Marx, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
The timing of an attack now awaits approval by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, Israeli and Western media reported, as some observers believe that President Joe Biden’s opposition to an assault has softened.
—Dan Morrison, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
Despite pushback from some young voters and a lobbying campaign against the move by TikTok, key opposition to the provision ultimately dissipated.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opposition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near opposition
Cite this Entry
“Opposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opposition. Accessed 1 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opposition
noun
op·po·si·tion
ˌäp-ə-ˈzish-ən
1
: the state of being opposite
2
: the action of resisting
offer opposition to a plan
the opposition of two forces
3
a
: a group of persons (as a team or an enemy force) that oppose someone or something
b
often capitalized
: a political party opposing the party in power
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share