opposition

Strong disagreement with something and efforts to stop it from happening.

• The plan met strong opposition.
• Residents expressed opposition to closing the library.
• Despite public opposition, the council approved the project.

How to use it: opposition to something (There is growing opposition to the new road.)

Similar words: resistance, objection

Opposites: support

Common phrases: strong opposition, face opposition, opposition to something

The people or parties competing against those in power, especially in politics.

• The opposition criticized the government.
• Several opposition parties voted against the law.
• She became leader of the opposition last year.

Similar words: political opponents

Common phrases: opposition party, opposition leader, the opposition

A relationship in which two things are completely different or have opposite positions.

• Their views are in direct opposition.
• The story creates an opposition between city and country.
• These oppositions help explain the structure of the poem.

How to use it: in opposition to something (The two ideas stand in opposition to each other.); opposition between A and B (The essay explores the opposition between freedom and control.)

Similar words: contrast, oppositeness

Common phrases: direct opposition, opposition between things, in opposition