Meaning & use
GOP
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Meaning
abbreviationproperAmerican
Short for Grand Old Party, a common name for the Republican Party in the United States.
Grammar: Used as a singular noun: the GOP is divided. Takes a singular or plural verb depending on whether you mean the party as a unit or its members.
Patterns
- the GOP
- GOP leaders
- a GOP candidate
The GOP won control of the House of Representatives in the election.
She is a longtime GOP donor.
The GOP has changed its position on several issues.
Common combinations
- the GOP
- The GOP held its national convention in July.
- GOP candidate
- The GOP candidate won by a narrow margin.
- GOP leaders
- GOP leaders met to discuss the budget.
- GOP-controlled
- The state has a GOP-controlled legislature.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Republican Party
- The full official name; GOP is an informal nickname used mainly in news and political discussion.
- the Republicans
- Refers to the party or its members; GOP is more often used in headlines and political commentary.
Opposites
Commonly confused: GOP or GNP?
GOP vs GNP
GNP stands for Gross National Product, an economic measure; GOP is a political abbreviation for the Republican Party.
Practice
In US politics, what does the abbreviation GOP refer to?
Choose one answer.
GOP stands for 'Grand Old Party', a nickname for the Republican Party. It is not a business group or agency, and the Democratic Party is the opposing party.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “GOP”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.