disagree with or resist something or someone, compete against someone in a contest or election

oppose one's will, oppose the clock, oppose the odds

oppose to, oppose a threat, oppose a motion

Formal and Informal Expressions of oppose

In different contexts, you can replace 'oppose' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'resist, contradict' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fight against, go against' is a commonplace synonym.

oppose: Explore its Definition & Usage

oppose Definition

1disagree with or resist something or someone
2compete against someone in a contest or election

Using oppose: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "oppose" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I strongly oppose the new policy.
Example
The two candidates opposed each other in the presidential race.
Example
He opposed the idea of moving to a new city.
Example
The protesters are opposing the government's decision.

oppose Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for oppose

Antonyms for oppose

Idioms Using oppose

oppose one's will
to resist or go against what someone wants or desires
Example
She always opposes her parents' will and does what she wants.
oppose the clock
to try to complete a task before a deadline
Example
We are opposing the clock to finish this project on time.
oppose the odds
to succeed despite difficult or unfavorable circumstances
Example
The underdog team opposed the odds and won the championship.

Phrases with oppose

oppose to
to be against something or someone
Example
I am opposed to the idea of raising taxes.
oppose a threat
to take action to prevent a danger or risk from becoming a reality
Example
The government is taking measures to oppose the threat of terrorism.
oppose a motion
to speak or vote against a proposal in a formal meeting
Example
The opposition party opposed the motion to increase taxes.

Origins of oppose

from Old French 'opposer', from Latin 'ob-' (against) + 'ponere' (to place)

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Summary: oppose in Brief

To 'oppose' [əˈpəʊz] means to disagree with or resist something or someone, as in 'I strongly oppose the new policy.' It can also mean to compete against someone in a contest or election, as in 'The two candidates opposed each other in the presidential race.' The phrase 'oppose to' is used to express being against something or someone, while 'oppose a threat' means to take action to prevent a danger from becoming a reality.