What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oppositional
Example
The child displayed oppositional behavior towards their teacher's instructions. [oppositional: adjective]
Example
The oppositional party criticized the government's policies. [oppositional: adjective]
Example
The oppositional movement aimed to overthrow the corrupt regime. [oppositional: noun]
opposing
Example
The opposing teams had very different strategies for winning the game. [opposing: adjective]
Example
The opposing viewpoints on the issue led to a heated debate. [opposing: adjective]
Example
The opposing player made a great play to block the shot. [opposing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Opposing is more commonly used than oppositional in everyday language. Opposing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while oppositional is less common and more specialized.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between oppositional and opposing?
Both oppositional and opposing can be used in formal and informal contexts, but oppositional may be more associated with academic or technical language due to its specialized usage.
