opposed

American  

[uh-pohzd] / əˈpoʊzd /

adjective

1. hostile or resistant (usually followed byto ).

   At a town hall meeting about the proposed desalination plant, most speakers were opposed, citing high costs and the effect on marine life.

   Some educators are opposed to bringing new media tools into classes, viewing them as a potential distraction for students.

2. having contrary effects; operating at cross-purposes.

   How do we interpret these seemingly opposed trends—away from organized religion and toward the formation of strong spiritual beliefs?

3. set against or contrasted with something else or with each other; viewed as contrary or competing.

   The opposed images on the book’s title page represent the two very different understandings of “home” featured in the narrative.

4. situated, existing, or growing in opposite directions.

   There are two diametrically opposed arrows on the signpost, and we have no idea which one to follow.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of oppose.

idioms

1. as opposed to, in contrast to; rather than.

   The new boss is intuitive as opposed to analytical, and conflict-shy as opposed to aggressive.

Other Word Forms

• preopposed adjective
• quasi-opposed adjective
• unopposed adjective

Etymology

Origin of opposed

First recorded in 1450–1500; oppose ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

When things are opposed, they're against each other. Two teams playing against each other are opposed; so are two sides in a war. If you're opposed, you're usually up against an opponent or opposing side. Politicians often talk about being opposed to one law and in favor of another. If someone is against higher taxes, they're opposed to higher taxes. Someone on the other side is opposed to lower taxes. But you could also simply be opposed to something like breakfast before 10 am.

Example Sentences

“You have to submit to the rules they set, like it or not,” said Jose Pinto, an activist and former member of a now-defunct armed force that opposed the ELN.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Low-impact notification fees will be $156 per location, as opposed to the standard notification fee of $250 per location.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Reform Wales said it opposed the "industrialisation of the countryside", arguing rural land should prioritise food production, habitats and local communities.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

“No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention,” the 2020 book Hastings wrote with journalist Erin Meyer, describes how he initially opposed allowing users to download films and television programs to watch later.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Like many citizens of the upper South, Duke opposed secession.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• anti
• antithetical
• averse
• disputed
• hostile
• inimical
• opposing