Phrase guide

up against

prep · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep

Meaning 1

Facing; challenging, or opposing.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • If you try to change the school schedule like that, you'll be up against legions of angry parents.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep

Meaning 2

In contact with, abutting.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • If the tree grows up against the garden wall then either the tree will be crowded and stunted or the wall will be pushed out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: a / contra qué / quién enfrentarse — facing; challenging, or opposing