dissenter

noun

dis·​sent·​er di-ˈsen-tər How to pronounce dissenter (audio)
Synonyms of dissenternext
1
: one that dissents
2
Dissenter : an English Nonconformist

Examples of dissenter in a Sentence

a society that prized conformity very highly and treated dissenters of any kind very harshly
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.
Such torrential downpours, from loyalists and dissenters alike, often follow the deaths of notorious and long-ruling dictators—Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Saddam Hussein. Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 Board member Kevin Lynch was the lone dissenter, and there was no board discussion on the topic besides clarifying questions on the motion. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 2026 One of those dissenters was the linguist Mark Liberman, who lambasted the word numerous times over the years in his blog Language Log. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026 If opposition to immigration enforcement triggers subpoenas by the government to businesses to provide the identity of dissenters, that is a problem for the Constitution. Stephanie A, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dissenter

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissenter was in 1639

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Cite this Entry

“Dissenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissenter. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

dissenter

noun
dis·​sent·​er dis-ˈent-ər How to pronounce dissenter (audio)
1
: one that dissents
2
capitalized : an English Protestant who is not in agreement with the rules or beliefs of the Church of England

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