OPPOSITION Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

opposition

noun

ˌä-pə-ˈzi-shən

Definition of opposition

as in resistance

the inclination to resist most of the opposition to the proposed smoking ban is coming from bar owners worried about its impact on their businesses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in oppositeness

the quality or state of being as different as possible her actions stand in direct opposition to her words

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 opposition The previous parliamentary vote in 2023 was followed by opposition protests alleging fraud. — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 Despite a record number of candidates, the race had been expected to be decided in a runoff between incumbent Yotova, backed by Radev’s party, and former caretaker Prime Minister Gyurov, who is backed by pro-Western opposition parties. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, a faction of the Venezuelan opposition and Rodríguez's government held another round of talks this month focused on reforms to the country's Supreme Court and electoral authorities ahead of eventual elections, Reuters reported. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Eisenkot could assemble a coalition with other opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opposition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposition

Noun

By understanding how these products evolve and diversify in bacteria, scientists might be able to tackle current resistance that humans have developed to some of the antibiotics that exist.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
In the hills surrounding Taiz, the government forces are trying to repel the Houthis but face stiff resistance, especially east of the city.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of resistance

Noun

Reversing the voltage’s polarity reversed the direction of rotation.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Magnetic flux and polarity specs are hard to find because there’s no standard for measuring magnetic flux, and many users don’t seek or need this information.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of polarity

Noun

Following an extended advance, the S & P 500 began testing its rising 50-day moving average as negative RSI divergences developed.

— Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
The divergence shows how much revenue growth now depends on earning more from each passenger rather than carrying more of them.

— Reuters, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of divergence

Browse Nearby Words

opposites

opposition

oppositionist

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of opposition

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on opposition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes