Word
oppose
Phoneticsop·pose, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈpoʊz/
UK/əpˈəʊz/
Definitions
01to disagree or resist
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to disagree strongly with a plan, law, or idea and try to prevent it from happening.
v. to resist or antagonize a proposal, policy, or action through argument or active obstruction.
“Many local people oppose the plan to build a new shopping mall in the park.”
“The local council voted to oppose the proposed development, citing concerns over increased traffic and the loss of green space.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
02to compete against
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to be the opponent of someone in a game, fight, or election.
v. to compete against or contend with an adversary in a formal contest or conflict.
“The two teams will oppose each other in the final match this Saturday.”
“In the upcoming general election, the incumbent will be opposed by a newcomer with radical views on economic reform.”
Usage
Often used in the passive voice to describe who someone is playing against.
Antonyms
03to place in contrast
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to put two things near each other to show how different they are.
v. to set something in contrast or balance against another thing; to place in a position of physical or conceptual antithesis.
“The artist likes to oppose bright colours with dark shadows to create drama.”
“The philosopher's latest essay seeks to oppose the traditional view of individual liberty with a more communal understanding of social responsibility.”
Usage
Usually involves placing two abstract concepts or physical objects in direct comparison.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “oppose” in context.
Verb
01. continue to oppose the policy
“The opposition party will continue to oppose the policy until it is revised.”
verb + infinitive
02. oppose the motion
“Only three council members voted to oppose the motion during the meeting.”
verb + noun
03. unite to oppose the law
“Small business owners have united to oppose the law on higher commercial taxes.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
04. bitterly oppose the decision
“Several board members bitterly oppose the decision to sell the company.”
adv + verb + noun
05. fiercely oppose the changes
“The labor unions fiercely oppose the changes to the pension system.”
adv + verb + noun
06. strongly oppose the plan
“Local residents strongly oppose the plan to build a new shopping mall in the park.”
adv + verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“In turn that means those who oppose him risk appearing to be on the wrong side of the argument.” “Some 16 percent said that “we should oppose the US”.” Etymology
From Middle English opposen, from Old French opposer, from Latin ob (“before, against”) + Medieval Latin pono (“to put”), taking the place of Latin opponere (“to oppose”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
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