dissension

noun

di-ˈsen(t)-shən How to pronounce dissension (audio)
variants also dissention
Definition of dissensionnext
1
as in discord
a lack of agreement or harmony religious dissension threatened to split the colony

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dispute
variance of opinion on a matter continued dissension among historians on the exact spot of Columbus's first landing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun dissension contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dissension are conflict, contention, discord, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

Where would conflict be a reasonable alternative to dissension?

The words conflict and dissension are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

When is contention a more appropriate choice than dissension?

The synonyms contention and dissension are sometimes interchangeable, but contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When might discord be a better fit than dissension?

The words discord and dissension can be used in similar contexts, but discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When is it sensible to use strife instead of dissension?

Although the words strife and dissension have much in common, strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When could variance be used to replace dissension?

The meanings of variance and dissension largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dissension Despite the initial wave of dissension, Hyun-ju has championed herself as a fan favorite on social media due to her cunning, bravery, wit and relatability. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 Hamas was careful to avoid open dissension, but signs of unease among politburo members were evident. — Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2025 Bass has also battled extraordinary dissension in her own ranks, with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in interviews Friday characterizing the department as understaffed and underfunded and implying that Bass had failed her. — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 The internal dissension is a pressing concern for Knox and Shirley, who have safely returned to their home after the previous episode’s rappelling adventure but have brought Judicial’s wrath down on their people. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dissension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissension
  1. discord
  2. dispute
  3. strife
  4. disagreement
  5. dissent
  6. disputation
  7. conflict
  8. controversy
Noun
  • Beyond the contributions of our honorees, we are all empowered to be peacemakers – to ease the discord and divisiveness in society today.
    — Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The party is racked by discord over its position on social issues – especially trans rights and, to an only slightly lesser degree, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
    — Niall Stanage, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of discord
Noun
  • In the filing, Village Roadshow framed its ongoing arbitration dispute with Warner Bros. over The Matrix Resurrections as a turning point, effectively ending what had been its most lucrative business arrangement.
    — Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In December 2023, Majors was found guilty of assault and harassment of his former girlfriend, stemming from a domestic dispute that took place in March of that year.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • Popov has a great feel for the easy warmth coursing between every member of the family, even in moments of strife, and the cast share a fun and comfortable chemistry.
    — Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
  • That’s likely, in large part, because of the U.S. political environment—President Donald Trump’s flurry of tariffs has given brands and retailers some strife, as have price-sensitive consumers reacting to the president’s policies.
    — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of strife
Noun
  • Daylight saving time isn’t going away anytime soon While all but two states in the U.S. continue to observe daylight saving time, there is still disagreement about whether the practice should be eliminated or made permanent.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Murkowski, who has long been critical of Trump and often expressed disagreement with the president, has previously sounded the alarm about some of DOGE's actions.
    — Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of disagreement
Noun
  • But Brasher, in a dissent, disputed the historical roots of the age restriction.
    — Dara Kam, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Barrett has only joined the Court's liberal justices in one 5-4 dissent so far in term year 2024.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of dissent
Noun
  • Jake is a single father who has brought Kristen up in the severe Calvinist tradition, marked by Bible disputations of Talmudic intricacy and by a radical detachment from secular and popular culture.
    — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2023
  • And yet there is one aspect of the book which was notable: a disputation of the Richard Wrangham's work in Demonic Males.
    — Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2013
Definition of disputation
Noun
  • Their conflict reached its end at AEW's Revolution event in March 2025, where Strickland ultimately defeated Ricochet.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • These trade conflicts have triggered worries about stagflation, a combination of stagnant growth and elevated inflation.
    — Axios, Axios, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • No controversies, no real debates over it being overrated.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The controversy surrounding Musk's involvement in Social Security stems from his push for deep cuts in government spending while also suggesting Social Security could be targeted.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of controversy

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Cite this Entry

“Dissension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissension. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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