opposition
noun
op·po·si·tion
ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən 
1
: a configuration (see configuration sense 1b) in which one celestial (see celestial entry 1 sense 2) body is opposite another (such as the sun) in the sky or in which the elongation (see elongation sense 1) is near or equal to 180 degrees
2
: the relation between two propositions having the same subject and predicate but differing in quantity or quality or both
3
: an act of setting opposite or over against : the condition of being so set
He spoke in opposition to the new law.
4
: hostile or contrary action or condition
offered strong opposition to the advance of the enemy
5
a
: something that opposes
specifically
: a body of persons opposing something
Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.
b
often capitalized
: a political party opposing and prepared to replace the party in power
The opposition is likely to win the upcoming election.
Examples of opposition in a Sentence
They're going ahead with the plans despite strong opposition from residents.
The nominee faces strong opposition in the Senate.
The proposed change has met with opposition from the town's business leaders.
Rebels have so far offered little opposition to advancing troops.
Each candidate is focused on raising more money than the opposition.
The coach advised her team not to underestimate the opposition.
The leader of the Opposition criticized the prime minister for his comments.
Recent Examples on the Web
Her views on Russia, opposition to U.S. intervention in Ukraine, and a 2017 meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad have drawn criticism.
—
Graham Kates, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2024
But that doesn’t seem like a sure things, as the bill has also drawn some opposition from within Republican ranks.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024
Yet, opposition to corporate DEI may require broader and more creative strategies for bridging this skills gap.
—Corinne Post, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Despite voter opposition to choice programs in Colorado, Kentucky and Nebraska, the movement has had success in recent years.
—Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opposition 
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Graham Kates, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2024
But that doesn’t seem like a sure things, as the bill has also drawn some opposition from within Republican ranks.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024
Yet, opposition to corporate DEI may require broader and more creative strategies for bridging this skills gap.
—Corinne Post, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Despite voter opposition to choice programs in Colorado, Kentucky and Nebraska, the movement has had success in recent years.
—Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for opposition
Dictionary Entries Near opposition
Cite this Entry
“Opposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opposition. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opposition
noun
op·po·si·tion
ˌäp-ə-ˈzish-ən
1
: the state of being opposite
2
: the action of resisting
offer opposition to a plan
the opposition of two forces
3
a
: a group of persons (as a team or an enemy force) that oppose someone or something
b
often capitalized
: a political party opposing the party in power
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