ə-ˈgen(t)st 
-ˈgin(t)st,
-ˈgān(t)st
1
a
: in opposition or hostility to
spoke against his enemies
b
: not in conformity with : contrary to
against the law
c
: in competition with
racing against each other
d
: as a basis for disapproval of
had nothing against him
2
a
: directly opposite : facing
… she sat down just over against me …—
Daniel Defoe
Daniel Defoe
b
obsolete
: exposed to
3
: compared or contrasted with
profits are up against last year
4
a
: in preparation or provision for
saving against an uncertain future
b
: as a defense or protection from
a shelter against the cold
5
a
: in the direction of and into contact with
knocked against the ropes
b
: in contact with
leaning against the wall
6
: in a direction opposite to the motion or course of : counter to
sail against the wind
7
a
: as a counterbalance to
weighing risk against profit
b
: in exchange for
a lower rate against the dollar
c
: as a charge on
charged against her account
8
: before the background of
viewed against the sky
archaic
: in preparation for the time when
… throw on another log of wood against father comes home.—Charles Dickens
Charles DickensSynonyms
Examples of against in a Sentence
Preposition
We must continue the struggle for justice and against injustice.
She voted against the proposal.
He spoke against appeasing the enemy.
Some people were for the proposal but others were against it.
There's a law against doing that.
two runners racing against each other
Touching the ball with your hands is against the rules.
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Nov. 2024
While there's no cure for these diseases, researchers are studying how antioxidants (including resveratrol) can help protect against neurodegeneration.
—Barbie Cervoni, Health, 23 Nov. 2024
Now, Parker has written and published a book, A Father’s Fight, about his experiences grieving for his daughter, and fighting for her legacy in the lawsuit against Jones.
—Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 23 Nov. 2024
After this home game against the Vikings, the Bears have a pair of games against the Lions, road games against the 49ers, Vikings and Packers and a home game against the Seahawks.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for against 
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Preposition
After all, she's known Jason and Kylie Kelce for nearly a year, having met the couple for the first time at Travis Kelce's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in late January.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Nov. 2024
While there's no cure for these diseases, researchers are studying how antioxidants (including resveratrol) can help protect against neurodegeneration.
—Barbie Cervoni, Health, 23 Nov. 2024
Now, Parker has written and published a book, A Father’s Fight, about his experiences grieving for his daughter, and fighting for her legacy in the lawsuit against Jones.
—Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 23 Nov. 2024
After this home game against the Vikings, the Bears have a pair of games against the Lions, road games against the 49ers, Vikings and Packers and a home game against the Seahawks.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for against
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Dictionary Entries Near against
Cite this Entry
“Against.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/against. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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