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
But the schedule doesn’t get any easier soon for the Chargers, whose next games are against Denver, Kansas City, the Rams, Houston and Baltimore. — Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 This included a season-high 47 snaps last week against Central Michigan. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 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
  • Federal authorities said he was arrested on Tuesday and distributed a photo of the man in handcuffs.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Both in jeans and black blazers, Ellison and Kreiz fielded questions from the national press for nearly 30 minutes on the lot’s Stage 3.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Before that, its superintendent, William Watson, was strongly opposed to it.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The truth is, the things that make Lance get free on set and the things that help me get free were, at times, diametrically opposed.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 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
  • Owners are reluctant to list at valuations the market is prepared to accept, while investors are unwilling to pay higher prices after a year of losses on most new listings.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
  • If a company is unwilling to stand behind a certain component for as long as the surrounding product, leaders should understand why.
    — Christopher Kiggins, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • As people outsource more of their thinking to software, the business world grows more homogeneous, risk-averse, predictable and, frankly, boring.
    — David Farbman, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Stella McCartney x Bugaboo Footmuff Cocoon your babe in thermoregulating plushness with this footmuff, benefitting from reflective touches for night walks, a water-averse zipper, and a shoe shield that will maintain a spotless interior.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • An April report from Japan External Trade Organization showed that companies are increasingly reluctant to expand their business in China.
    — Anniek Bao,Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
  • But as time went on, Matt was cagey around his phone and reluctant to call me his girlfriend.
    — Richelle Meiss, Los Angeles Times, 2 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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