Competing against someone or something is a common activity in many areas of life. The term 'compete against' can be defined as to strive to do better than another person or group in a contest, game, or other activity. OPPOSE is a six-letter word that is often used in the context of competing against someone or something. It means to be against or to resist an action or idea. When two people or groups OPPOSE each other, they are competing against each other.