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
Not only this, but overseeding will also add young, spry grass which helps the whole lawn better defend itself against diseases and heat stress. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026 As reunions go, Tua Tagovailoa’s return to South Florida as an Atlanta Falcon against his former Miami Dolphins teammates was not exactly a happy one. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 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
  • The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The drug, marketed as Bixlenvo, is aimed at patients whose virus is already under control but who remain on complicated treatment regimens.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of on
Adjective
  • Thus polytheistic worship of deities and monist philosophy are not opposed but rather different ways of reaching the divine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those opposed weren’t necessarily Trump supporters, according to Tierney.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 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
  • The first-generation Apple Watch SE is a practical entry point for someone curious about the Apple Watch but unwilling to pay flagship prices.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Iranians have now discovered the power of their geography and seem unwilling to give up on controlling/administering the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of unwilling
Adjective
  • Their debates can get heated, but Gray, who describes himself as a conflict-averse person in a high-conflict business, says the criticism should never be personal.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Pentagon’s risk-averse culture, reinforced by rules established by Congress, encumbers every stage of the military development, procurement, and integration process.
    — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of averse
Adjective
  • Lancaster County is known as the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish community, a religious group that is sometimes reluctant to embrace modern medical interventions such as vaccines.
    — Mike Stobbe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The problem this creates is that refs can be reluctant to award a second yellow.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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