1
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
a dispute over the proper pronunciation of "nuclear"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
after much dispute, the school committee decided that all backpacks would have to be stored in lockers during class hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to question
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily
hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to debate
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
in an extended session the city council disputed the need for a new high school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dispute
Lauran Neergaard,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Police determined the incident initially stemmed from a dispute involving the couple.
—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Then the White House started to dispute, and the president, parts of that.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Noun
Earlier this year, Moderna’s data was at the center of a highly unusual public dispute as a then-top FDA official blocked the company’s application for its first-of-its-kind shot.
—
Lauran Neergaard,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Police determined the incident initially stemmed from a dispute involving the couple.
—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
Israel disputes the Lebanon language and struck Beirut as the deal was being finalized, a test the arrangement absorbed but may not survive a second time.
—
Güney Yıldız,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Then the White House started to dispute, and the president, parts of that.
—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute
Noun
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Worth noting Relievers Sam Hentges and Ryan Walker made their first appearances back at Oracle Park since the Pride Night controversy became a national story.
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The controversy began during a segment on the French sports network L’Équipe when presenter France Pierron argued that participating in the World Cup was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should take precedence over family obligations.
Noun
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The victim got into a quarrel inside Bob’s Classic Barber Shop on Albany Ave.
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Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.
Verb
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For generations, those rules have been questioned and debated but rarely tested – until now.
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Leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services applauded the FTC’s move, pointing to an HHS review that questioned WPATH standards.
Verb
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King bickered with fans on social media.
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But Tilly and Gershon playfully bickered onstage as the former remembered things slightly differently, with Tilly saying the problem had more to do with a shot of her hand on Gershon's crotch that was deemed too realistic.
Verb
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For generations, those rules have been questioned and debated but rarely tested – until now.
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The question of who will have the best record should be debated all summer.
Noun
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This did not, however, mark the end of disputation concerning the Northwest Angle.
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According to him, advances in machine learning have yanked questions once trapped inside theological/philosophical disputations into corporate board packs.
Noun
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Witnesses told the Nantucket Current that the stabbing followed a verbal and physical altercation between the driver of a Myles Reis garbage truck and the driver of a Sayles Seafood delivery truck that had parked in the area.
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Cartwright said statements from those involved explained that the victim and her mother were involved in a physical altercation.
Verb
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Wigan, United Kingdom — Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is poised to challenge British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the country’s premiership after resoundingly winning a special election in Makerfield, northwest England, and securing his return to parliament.
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Each delivers thoughtful insights and actionable ideas that challenge your perspective and inspire new ways of thinking.
Cite this Entry
“Dispute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispute. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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