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Showing results for up against. Search instead for up against/2.
Definitions

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.

Levy: With every character, at the beginning of this show, I’m thinking, how can we exacerbate the dire circumstances that crime would rub up against?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Experts warn, however, that the proposal runs up against geological and economic realities.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Management made the forecast as gains in running shoes, soccer gear and a rebound in North America run up against an array of other problems.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

So do we now have a better idea of how the Three Lions might shape up against higher-quality opposition in the summer?

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Have I stumbled up against the lair of one of those flame-breathing dragon monsters?

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.