against 1 of 2

preposition

ə-ˈgen(t)st How to pronounce against (audio)
Definition of againstnext
1
as in on
in or into contact with he leaned against the fence and it collapsed unwittingly rubbed his leg against some poison ivy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in anti
opposed to; not for I'm against going to see the parade if it's raining

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

against

2 of 2

adjective

as in opposed

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of against
Preposition
Yes, the fourth-quarter comeback win against Ohio State still carries weight in terms of upcoming CFP rankings. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Runa’s incarceration – and death months after her release – is now the subject of a lawsuit brought by her mother against Hyogo Prefectural Police alleging unlawful arrest and detention. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The hardworking, hard-to-play-against, honest types that get after it for your team or make life difficult on the opposing team with their persistence or heaviness. — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Many of these are responses to the above points on the ‘against’ side, and some of them are proposals for directions to explore to help overcome the issues raised. — IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for against
Recent Examples of Synonyms for against
  1. on
  2. opposed
  3. upon
  4. unwilling
  5. averse
  6. reluctant
Preposition
  • Many African policymakers responded that advanced economies built their wealth on coal and oil, adding that Africa accounts for less than 4% of global carbon emissions.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In my view, the Sentinel seemed to base this on Culver’s suspension from office as the one and only factor.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Maps showing the states that are most opposed to AI data centers.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Fifty-three percent of Americans support executing Hasan by firing squad, with 42% opposed.
    — Sig Christenson, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of opposed
Preposition
  • An increase has not been formally agreed upon and is still under evaluation, officials said.
    — DJ Simmons June 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • Since Köhler's early work, researchers have conducted similar experiments involving an out-of-reach reward and an object to stand upon in birds and elephants.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 7 June 2026
Definition of upon
Adjective
  • The National Federation of Federal Employees union said a survey of its members showed a large majority opposed the Agriculture Department reorganization plan and most were unwilling to relocate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Middle America Republicans haven’t been entirely unwilling to stay off the celebrity train themselves.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • On the other hand are more risk-averse leaders, most notably Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • Still, the prospect of additional supply from American producers remains uncertain, with companies reluctant to commit to major new investments amid volatile prices and geopolitical risks.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Cast as Eva, the head of an international organization trying to save the planet in Project Hail Mary, Hüller spends this sci-fi blockbuster strictly on terra firma, acting as a socially awkward, deadpan foil for Ryan Gosling’s reluctant astronaut.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of reluctant

Phrases Containing against

Browse Nearby Words

again and again
against
agape
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Cite this Entry

“Against.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/against. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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