up against

ADJECTIVE

opposed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anti antithetical averse disputed hostile inimical opposing

STRONG

battling clashing combating conflicting confronting controverting counter crossing defending denying disagreeing disputing exposing facing gainsaying objecting protesting repelling rival warring

WEAK

against allergic antipathetic antonymous at cross-purposes at odds contrary defensive dissentient enemy in opposition incompatible irreconcilable obstructive opposite restrictive

Antonyms

STRONGEST

friendly kind

WEAK

in favor of

ADJECTIVE

opposed/opposing

Synonyms

WEAK

against the grain allergic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at cross-purposes at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defending defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival warring

Antonyms

WEAK

aiding assisting compatible helping similar

ADJECTIVE

oppositional

Synonyms

WEAK

adversarial adverse against the grain allergic antagonistic anti antipathetic antithetical antonymous at cross-purposes at odds averse battling clashing combating conflicting confronting contrary controverting counter crossing defending defensive denying disagreeing disputed disputing dissentient enemy exposing facing gainsaying hostile in opposition incompatible inimical irreconcilable objecting obstructive opposed opposite protesting repelling restrictive rival warring

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It's just that he was up against Lionel Messi and co…

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Lovesac tempered its outlook for the year as it widened its loss during the recent quarter, up against a continually challenging backdrop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Incumbent Democrat Karen Bass was up against progressive City Council member Nithya Raman and Pratt, who is a registered Republican.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Caspian “C-Bird” Hollywell’s wide-eyed, frenetic energy and howling vocals come up against the sweet, mournful steel pedal guitar of suit-and-tie-wearing “Razor” Ramon Santos.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

Celia and I backed up against the wall.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

up against

Example Sentences

Related Words