Against: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to express opposition or resistance to something or someone. It can be used in both everyday and formal contexts.

• She voted against the new policy.
• He is against animal testing.

Used to indicate that something is opposed to or different from something else, often used in more formal or written contexts.

• Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind.
• His actions are contrary to the company's policies.

Used to convey a personal stance or feeling of disapproval or disagreement, appropriate for both spoken and written usage.

• I am opposed to the construction of the new factory.
• Many citizens are opposed to the tax increase.

A formal phrase used to express strong disagreement or resistance to something, often found in formal writing or speech.

• The senator spoke in opposition to the new law.
• They organized a march in opposition to the government's decision.

Used to indicate opposition or resistance to something, often in a physical or competitive sense. It can also refer to being contrary to an idea or rule.

• She was against the new policy implemented by the company.
• The athlete competed against many others in the marathon.

Used to describe something occurring or positioned in a way that is directly contrary or in an entirely different manner to something else. It is often used in a physical or comparative sense.

• The rooms were situated oppositely on the hallway.
• He answered oppositely, suggesting a completely different solution.

Used to describe an action or opinion that is opposite or different from what was previously stated or expected. It often implies a deliberate contradiction.

• Contrarily to what everyone thought, he decided to quit his job.
• She spoke contrarily, disagreeing with every point he made.

Typically used to describe a stance or position that actively resists or counters another. It often applies in formal or serious contexts, such as political or legal situations.

• The senator stood in opposition to the proposed law.
• The community group acted in opposition to the development project.

Used when someone is in disagreement or conflict with someone or something.

• He is fighting against the new policy
• The team played against each other in the final match

Used when referring to a group or party that disagrees or stands against something, often in politics or debates.

• The opposition party criticized the new law
• There is strong opposition to the construction project

Used to describe efforts to block or withstand something, often in the context of physical or ideological conflicts.

• The resistance fighters held their ground
• There is resistance to change within the organization

Used when people show their disagreement or disapproval publicly and actively, usually in social or political situations.

• Thousands gathered to protest the new immigration law
• She organized a protest against the company's unethical practices