oppositionists

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “oppositionists” is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to people who oppose a party, movement, or government, and can be used in various contexts. For example, “The oppositionists staged a mass demonstration outside the government building to protest the proposed tax hike.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Cheeky oppositionists had been making trouble, complaining about corruption and clamouring for electoral districts to be redrawn more fairly.

The Economist

Yet after the most recent election even the most selfish oppositionists came to realise they cannot win power without making compromises.The party merger was endorsed by several political heavyweights, including General Muhammadu Buhari, representing the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), who ran for president in 2003, 2007 and 2011 and led Nigeria under military rule between 1983 and 1985.

The Economist

Across the way, supplicants throng the barbed-wire ringing the dreary old Palestine Hotel, now a makeshift citadel for American officers, Iraqi oppositionists and journalists, the trio who are the city's new ruling powers, the dispensers of jobs, aid and information.Above all, for Iraqis who have endured four decades of brutally enforced silence, the square has become a market for stories.

The Economist

Some say this may be sparked by Baathist saboteurs, others by Iranian agents.Another worry is that if secularist, American-backed oppositionists with little local backing are strong-armed into office, reactions may be fierce.

The Economist

As a former confidant of President Nursultan Nazarbaev, he knew Kazakh politics better than most oppositionists.

The Economist

In practice, this would mean taking millions of notes out of circulation, following a quiet campaign by oppositionists to mark them with anti-regime slogans.Funereal opportunitiesMore embarrassing still for a regime that describes itself as Islamic is the government's treatment of dissident clerics, including some prominent ayatollahs.

The Economist

The Central Committee banned the letter but later allowed discussion that showed widespread support in the party for the oppositionists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But the electoral authority, whose board comprises four chavistas and a lone oppositionist, says they can do it anyway.

The Economist

But another whisper is that, in the absence of democracy, Islamism is on the rise encouraged, say some, by Iran to the south.The Islamists, says Ali Kerimli, a disgruntled oppositionist, curry favour with their complaint that "the West sells democracy for oil".

The Economist

Retired from chess, he is now a brave oppositionist in Vladimir Putin's Russia.In his acknowledgments the author thanks several neo-conservative luminaries for his "moral clarity" in perceiving Soviet wickedness.

The Economist

After recanting his oppositionist views (1929), Radek was readmitted to the party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political movements or events, use "oppositionists" to specifically denote individuals actively opposing a particular regime or policy. This provides a more precise and nuanced understanding than simply using "opponents".

Common error

Avoid using "oppositionists" as a catch-all term for anyone who disagrees with a policy. "Oppositionists" usually implies a more organized and active form of resistance, not just passive disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "oppositionists" is that of a plural noun. It denotes a group of people who actively oppose a particular entity, such as a government or a policy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "oppositionists" is a plural noun used to describe individuals or groups actively opposing a political entity or policy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently used in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. While the term carries a neutral tone, the surrounding context can influence its formality. When using "oppositionists", ensure it accurately reflects active and organized resistance rather than simply general disagreement. Alternatives like "dissidents" or "protesters" might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissidents

Emphasizes disagreement with an established political system or authority.

dissenters

Refers more broadly to those who disagree with established doctrines or policies.

resisters

Focuses on active opposition and defiance against a particular force or policy.

protesters

Specifically refers to individuals involved in public demonstrations of disapproval.

objectors

Highlights the act of raising objections or expressing disapproval.

challengers

Highlights the act of contesting or disputing something, often in a competitive context.

antagonists

Implies a more direct and confrontational form of opposition.

rivals

Indicates competitive opposition, often in the context of elections or business.

adversaries

Highlights the confrontational and competitive nature of the opposition.

detractors

Refers to those who criticize or disparage someone or something.

FAQs

How is "oppositionists" used in a sentence?

The word "oppositionists" is used to describe individuals or groups who actively oppose a particular political system, regime, or policy. For instance, "The government cracked down on prominent "oppositionists" ahead of the election".

What's a good alternative to "oppositionists"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "dissidents", "protesters", or "challengers". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "oppositionists" and "opponents"?

"Opponents" is a broader term referring to anyone who disagrees or competes with another, while "oppositionists" specifically implies active and often organized resistance to a political entity or policy.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "oppositionists"?

The term "oppositionists" is most appropriately used in political contexts when describing individuals or groups actively engaged in resisting or challenging a ruling power or established policy. This usage is common in news reporting and historical analysis.