loyal opposition

noun

: a minority party especially in a legislative body whose opposition to the party in power is constructive, responsible, and bounded by loyalty to fundamental interests and principles
a well-fortified minority will tend to improve … legislative debate and can become a genuine loyal opposition—American State Legislatures
specifically : the minority party in the British parliament
—often used in the phrase His Majesty's loyal opposition

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loyalness
loyal opposition
loyalty
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Cite this Entry

“Loyal opposition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyal%20opposition. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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