Apposed or Opposed: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: The correct spelling is almost always opposed, which means to resist or disagree with an idea. The word apposed is a rare anatomical term meaning placed opposite another body part. Do not use apposed in standard writing or casual conversation.

The Short Answer

Opposed is the standard and correct choice for everyday English when you mean to resist, disagree with, or be against something. Apposed is an extremely rare medical term describing body parts that face each other.

Confusion arises because the prefix ap- looks similar to op- in many contexts. Writers often guess the spelling based on other words like oppose or opposite, leading to the incorrect insertion of an extra p.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
Opposed	Standard	Talking about disagreement or resistance
Apposed	Rare Medical	Describing anatomy facing another part
Oppose	Verb	Taking action against an idea
Opposite	Adjective	Describing things facing each other

Correct Example Sentences

The town council was strongly opposed to the new zoning laws.
I am opposed to any plan that increases taxes without reason.
Her views were completely opposed to those of her mentor.
The teacher opposed the use of phones during exam hours.
He felt opposed to the idea of working overtime this weekend.
Many citizens were opposed to the proposed construction project.
She opposed the motion with a clear and logical argument.
The two candidates had opposed visions for the future of the city.
They were opposed in their methods but agreed on the final goal.
We are firmly opposed to censorship in public libraries.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I am apposed to the new policy changes.: I am opposed to the new policy changes.
The voters were apposed to the candidate.: The voters were opposed to the candidate.
She apposed the idea of moving abroad.: She opposed the idea of moving abroad.
He was apposed to eating fast food.: He was opposed to eating fast food.
Many students apposed the homework assignment.: Many students opposed the homework assignment.
We are apposed to late night noise.: We are opposed to late night noise.

A Quick Test You Can Use

Replace the word with disagree with or resist. If the sentence still makes sense, you must use opposed. If you are describing a medical context where body parts face one another, apposed might be technically correct, but opposed is safe for ninety-nine percent of writing situations.

Related Word Pairs

Affect vs Effect: Use affect for verbs and effect for nouns.
Then vs Than: Use then for time and than for comparisons.
Their vs There: Use their for possession and there for location.
Its vs It is: Use its for possession and it is for identity.
Loose vs Lose: Use loose for fit and lose for misplacing.

More Example Sentences

The committee remained opposed to the proposal due to budget concerns.
She was firmly opposed to any changes in the current curriculum.
Many residents were opposed to the construction of a new highway.
He felt opposed to the idea of working on weekends.
The board members were opposed to the merger with the rival company.
I am strongly opposed to the use of plastic bags in stores.
They were opposed to the new dress code policy at school.
The community leaders were opposed to the demolition of the historic building.
We are opposed to the idea of raising tuition fees for students.
The voters were opposed to the candidate who supported tax hikes.

Quick Practice

The team was to the idea of changing their strategy.

opposed

She was to the new rules implemented by the manager.

opposed

Many people are to the use of pesticides in agriculture.

opposed

He felt to the notion of working late every day.

opposed

The students were to the increase in homework assignments.

opposed

We are to the idea of cutting funding for the arts.

opposed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is apposed ever correct in normal writing?

No. In standard English, apposed is a medical term. Use opposed for disagreement, resistance, or being against something in all casual and professional contexts.

What is the root of opposed?

The word comes from the Latin prefix ob meaning against and posit meaning placed. This explains why it refers to being set against something or someone.

Can I use opposed as a verb?

You can use oppose as a verb. Opposed is primarily an adjective or past tense verb. People often say they are opposed to an idea or that they oppose it.

Why does autocorrect change apposed to opposed?

Autocorrect recognizes opposed as the common standard spelling. Since apposed is rare and technical, software assumes you meant the everyday word for disagreement.