Definition of DISSENSION

Choose the Right Synonym for dissension

discord, strife, conflict, contention, dissension, variance mean a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony. discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism. a political party long racked by discord 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 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 contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy. several points of contention about the new zoning law dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions. religious dissension threatened to split the colony 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

Examples of dissension in a Sentence

The incident has caused a lot of dissension within the police department. Religious dissension threatened to split the colony.

Recent Examples on the Web

Such internal dissension is a major problem for a tech company that relies primarily on human talent. — Dan Gallagher, WSJ, "Facebook Always Meant Business," 8 Dec. 2018 Democratic dissension on the budget and taxes The budget — and the surrounding debates around taxes and spending — is another problem that has bedeviled Murphy already, and similar issues are sure to trouble Democrats elsewhere. — Andrew Prokop, Vox, "Democrats won 6 more state governments. New Jersey shows what they can do.," 21 Nov. 2018 That rift is pushing Qatar closer to Iran and sowing dissension among the small Gulf sheikhdoms whose cooperation the U.S. needs to protect vital oil-shipping lanes. — Karen Elliott House, WSJ, "Rethinking Saudi Arabia," 30 Nov. 2018 Trump selected Wilkie, who was confirmed 86-9, for the post in May after firing David Shulkin amid investigations into alleged spending abuses and reports of internal dissension at the VA. — Gregg Re, Fox News, "Senate confirms Robert Wilkie as VA secretary, capping contentious selection process," 24 July 2018 After an acrimonious postseason that seemed to cause dissension between him and the team, he was traded to Atlanta along with Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir and Charlie Culberson for Matt Kemp. — Houston Mitchell, latimes.com, "Dodgers Dugout: Can LeBron James pitch in relief too?," 2 July 2018 The recommendation, which the agency’s board is expected to approve in June, could bring an end to years of rancor and dissension over pay at the airports. — Patrick Mcgeehan, New York Times, "New York-Area Airport Workers on Way to $19 Per Hour," 22 Mar. 2018 There are celebrities who are cultural disruptors, who force dissension and discussion — think Muhammad Ali in the 1960s — and there are those who are cultural resolvers, bringing disparate audiences into one big tent of comity and comfort. — Ty Burr, BostonGlobe.com, "There’s no separating Cosby’s legacy as a symbol of unity and the face of evil," 27 Apr. 2018 But Council Chairman John McBlain doesn’t see that as a sign of dissension or divisiveness. — Vinny Vella, Philly.com, "Delaware County Democrats, the first elected in 40 years, find acceptance, some tension in months since historic win," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dissension.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.