factious

adjective

fac·​tious ˈfak-shəs How to pronounce factious (audio)
Synonyms of factiousnext
: of or relating to faction: such as
a
: caused by faction
factious disputes
b
: inclined to faction or the formation of factions
c
: seditious
factiously adverb
factiousness noun

Examples of factious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the Presidential Leadership Council is itself factious, and external competition leads to contention within it. — Maha Yahya, Foreign Affairs, 17 Feb. 2025 How the factious sides of the Democratic Party handle this will be an important test and will determine whether the race will be close this fall. — Ray Dalio, TIME, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French factieux, borrowed from Latin factiōsus "busy, having powerful connections, of a faction, turbulent," from facti- (extracted from factiōn-, factiō "social set, group, faction") + -ōsus -ous

First Known Use

circa 1527, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of factious was circa 1527

Rhymes for factious

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Cite this Entry

“Factious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factious. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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