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

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

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 oppose Sullivan told the jurors not to abandon their own convictions just to reach a verdict, but urged them to seriously consider opposing views and reassess their positions if appropriate. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, 23 Democratic candidates for the South Dakota Legislature have signed a pledge to implement public protections, greater transparency and local control in data center development, while opposing tax incentives. — Des Moines Register, States Newsroom, 3 Sep. 2026 The personal cost Even with the benefits of construction, many are opposed to having a data center in their backyard, as Coldwell Banker commercial real estate broker Adam Shultz found out this year. — Greta Reich, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 With his approval rating at 33%, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, the effort could instead energize those who oppose the president. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oppose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oppose

Verb

He was arrested and will be booked on felony evading, hit-and-run and felony resisting arrest, police said.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The fungus can spread between patients and resist some antifungal treatments.

— Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Their arrival is also welcome for many locals, battered by the economic impact of the Iran war their American visitors were fighting.

— Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
When ships are fighting in narrow waterways under heavy surveillance, visibility quickly becomes a deadly liability.

— HOLMES LIAO, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of fight

Verb

Washington, however, still retains many of the tools needed to combat global hunger.

— Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
In August, the health board designated a $250,000 fund for rat abatement — so far the only public money specifically earmarked to combat the nuisance in the state.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of combat

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opportunity

oppose

opposed

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“Oppose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oppose. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of oppose

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