What does "against" mean?
In a contrary direction to.
Against
/əˈɡeɪnst/ conj, prep
conj, prep ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: In a contrary direction to.
- Grammar: against is listed as conj, prep.
- Nearest alternatives: about, across, adverse to, anti.
- Useful contrasts: american war for independence, ap credit for physics, junto.
- Usage evidence: They are too busy fighting against each other to care for common ideals.
How to use "against"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "against" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "against" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "against" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "against" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "against" is acting as conj, prep in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "about" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "against", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Preposition
- 1 In a contrary direction to.
"It is hard work to swim against the current."
- 2 In physical opposition to; in collision with.
"The rain pounds against the window."
- 3 In physical contact with, so as to abut or be supported by.
"The ladder was leaning against the wall."
- 4 Close to, alongside.
"A row of trees stood against a fence."
- 5 In front of; before (a background).
"The giant was silhouetted against the door."
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 In contrast or comparison with.
"There is an awesome authenticity in Barrus's voice which, I imagine, is frightening to those who must evaluate art against a one-dimensional standard of political rectitude."
- 7 In competition with, versus.
"The Tigers will play against the Bears this weekend."
- 8 Contrary to; in conflict with.
"Doing this is against my principles."
- 9 In opposition to.
"Are you against freedom of choice?"
- 10 Of betting odds, denoting a worse-than-even chance.
"That horse is fifty-to-one against, so it has virtually no chance of winning."
- 11 In exchange for.
"The vouchers are redeemable against West End shows and theatre breaks."
- 12 As counterbalance to.
- 13 As a charge on.
"Tax is levied against income from sales."
- 14 As protection from.
"He turned the umbrella against the wind."
- 15 In anticipation of; in preparation for (a particular time, event etc.).
"The stores are kept well stocked against a time of need."
- 16 To be paid now in contrast to the following amount to be paid later under specified circumstances, usually that a movie is made or has started filming.
"The studio weren't sure the movie would ever get made, so they only paid $50,000 against $200,000. That way they wouldn't be out very much if filming never began."
- 17 Exposed to. obsolete
Conjunction
- 1 By the time that (something happened); before. obsolete
"Thence she them brought into a stately Hall, / Wherein were many tables faire dispred, / And ready dight with drapets festiuall, / Against the viaundes should be ministred."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"They are too busy fighting against each other to care for common ideals."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "against"?
Common synonyms include: about, across, adverse to, anti, apropos, as to.
How do you use "against" in a sentence?
They are too busy fighting against each other to care for common ideals.
How do you pronounce "against"?
Pronounced /əˈɡeɪnst/.
Etymology
Formed from Middle English ayenes, agenes, againes (“in opposition to”), a southern variant of agen, or directly from again, either way with adverbial genitive singular ending -es; the parasitic -t was added circa 1350, probably by confusion with the superlative ending -est. By surface analysis, again + -st (excrescent ending). Cognate with Saterland Frisian juun (“against”), West Frisian tsjin (“against”), Dutch tegen (“against”), German Low German gegen (“against”), German gegen (“against”), Icelandic gegn (“against”).