oppose
34 synonyms and 1 antonyms for oppose, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To disagree with or actively resist something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use oppose
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French opposer, ultimately shaped by Latin ob- ("against") plus ponere ("to put"), replacing the earlier Latin verb opponere.
Full origin of oppose →Frequently asked questions
What does “oppose” mean?
The word “oppose” means to disagree with or actively resist something. In plain terms, to stand against something — a plan, an idea, a person — because you disagree with it.
How do you pronounce “oppose”?
“Oppose” is pronounced uh-POHZ (/əˈpoʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “oppose” in a sentence?
Here is “oppose” used in a sentence: “Several senators opposed the bill.”
What is another word for “oppose”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oppose” include be against, fight, check, bar, block and prevent.
What is the opposite of “oppose”?
The opposite of “oppose” — its antonyms — is support.
What part of speech is “oppose”?
“Oppose” is a verb.
Where does the word “oppose” come from?
The word “oppose” comes from Latin. From Old French opposer, ultimately shaped by Latin ob- ("against") plus ponere ("to put"), replacing the earlier Latin verb opponere.
Is “oppose” a common word?
“Oppose” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'oppose' and 'be opposed to'?
'Oppose' is a transitive verb that takes a direct object, as in they oppose the plan. 'Be opposed to' uses the preposition 'to' and often describes a settled stance, as in they are opposed to the plan; both express resistance, but the second sounds more like a fixed position.
What is the difference between oppose and object?
To oppose something is to actively resist or work against it, often over time. To object is to state disagreement, usually at a specific moment; you object to something with the preposition 'to', whereas oppose takes a direct object without a preposition.
What is the difference between oppose and resist?
Both mean to work against something, but oppose emphasises disagreement and taking a stand, while resist emphasises withstanding or refusing to give in to pressure. You might oppose a policy in debate and resist an attempt to force it through.
What preposition follows 'oppose'?
'Oppose' normally takes no preposition, since it is transitive and directly followed by its object, as in oppose the decision. The preposition 'to' appears only with the adjective form, as in opposed to the decision.