token opposition

USAGE SUMMARY

'token opposition' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a person or group who opposes something for the sake of appearances, without any serious intent or effort. For example, "The mayor's token opposition to the council's proposal was quickly dismissed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Spitzer faced only token opposition.

The New York Times

He won the Democratic nomination over token opposition.

The New York Times

He had raised about $1 million for his campaign for a fourth term, despite token opposition.

The New York Times

Representative Bernard Sanders, the only independent in the House, won against token opposition.

The New York Times

Attorney General John Cornyn won against token opposition to become the party's Senate candidate.

The New York Times

Too often in Connecticut, incumbents do not face even token opposition.

The New York Times

Legislators virtually never face more than token opposition for re-election.

The New York Times

Mr. Lacy said Mr. O'Rourke's selection had "averted disaster" - token opposition to Mr. Cuomo.

The New York Times

The Republicans' seemingly token opposition fell short of blocking the Government's spending plans.

The New York Times

In November 2013, he was re-elected with only token opposition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Gov. Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin defeated token opposition to be nominated for a fourth term.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "token opposition" to accurately describe situations where opposition exists in name only, but lacks any real substance or impact. This is especially useful in political or competitive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "token opposition" when the opposition is genuinely strong or presents a significant challenge. The phrase implies a lack of real power or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "token opposition" functions as a noun phrase used adjectivally to describe the quality of the opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes opposition that is merely symbolic or superficial. The examples illustrate its use in political contexts and competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "token opposition" is a frequently used phrase to describe minimal or symbolic resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal and informal contexts, particularly in political and competitive scenarios. It's most common in news and media, with neutral formality. When employing this phrase, ensure the opposition truly lacks substance and consider alternatives like "nominal opposition" or "feeble challenge" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid using "token opposition" if the resistance is strong or substantive. It is important to always use the phrase "token opposition" accurately to ensure the tone and meaning of the message aligns with the purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nominal opposition

Replaces "token" with "nominal", emphasizing the opposition is merely in name.

minimal resistance

Focuses on the low level of resistance offered.

feeble challenge

Highlights the weakness of the opposition.

superficial dissent

Emphasizes that the dissent is not deeply felt or significant.

insignificant challenge

Indicates the challenge posed is not important or impactful.

weak resistance

Describes the resistance as lacking strength or force.

symbolic opposition

Suggests the opposition is more for show than actual impact.

perfunctory resistance

Implies the resistance is done as a matter of routine or duty, without real commitment.

lip service opposition

Highlights that the opposition is expressed in words only, without genuine action.

hollow defiance

Suggests the defiance lacks substance or real power.

FAQs

How can I use "token opposition" in a sentence?

You can use "token opposition" to describe a situation where the resistance is minimal or merely symbolic. For example, "The bill passed easily due to the "token opposition" from a minority party".

What's a good alternative to "token opposition"?

Alternatives include "nominal opposition", "minimal resistance", or "feeble challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "token opposition" in formal writing?

Yes, "token opposition" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What does it mean when someone faces "token opposition" in an election?

It means they are running against candidates who are not well-known, well-funded, or taken seriously as contenders, making their victory almost certain.