against 1 of 2

preposition

ə-ˈgen(t)st How to pronounce against (audio)
Definition of againstnext
1
as in on
in or into contact with he leaned against the fence and it collapsed unwittingly rubbed his leg against some poison ivy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in anti
opposed to; not for I'm against going to see the parade if it's raining

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

against

2 of 2

adjective

as in opposed

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example 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 against
Preposition
The unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France against rising living costs and in support of high school students’ grievances. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 The three sacks were the most by a TCU defensive lineman since Dylan Horton had four against Michigan in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The hardworking, hard-to-play-against, honest types that get after it for your team or make life difficult on the opposing team with their persistence or heaviness. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Many of these are responses to the above points on the ‘against’ side, and some of them are proposals for directions to explore to help overcome the issues raised. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for against
Recent Examples of Synonyms for against
  1. on
  2. opposed
  3. upon
  4. unwilling
  5. averse
  6. reluctant
Preposition
  • Jimmy Kimmel set his sights on Katie Zacharia, the latest blonde woman to act as Donald Trump‘s press secretary.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Today’s Theme This puzzle narrates a breakdown in communication that takes place, presumably, on a video call.
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Maps showing the states that are most opposed to AI data centers.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • According to a poll conducted in September by PBS, NPR and Marist, 65% of voters oppose construction in their communities, with 43% strongly opposed.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of opposed
Preposition
  • An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said.
    — DJ Simmons June 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • Since Köhler's early work, researchers have conducted similar experiments involving an out-of-reach reward and an object to stand upon in birds and elephants.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 June 2026
Definition of upon
Adjective
  • Traceability isn’t something being thrust on unwilling cotton suppliers, a new report found.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Houthis, still formally in a truce with Riyadh, appeared unwilling to aid their Iranian partners.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • On the other hand are more risk-averse leaders, most notably Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • In the post-George Floyd era, some young adults have been reluctant to become police officers compared to the days when departments were flooded with applications from eager jobseekers.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Day told the Herald that Fencebridge has been operating in Haiti for four years but was reluctant to offer details about that work.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of reluctant

Phrases Containing against

Browse Nearby Words

again and again
against
agape
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Cite this Entry

“Against.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/against. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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