dissenter

noun

dis·​sent·​er di-ˈsen-tər 

1

: one that dissents

2

capitalized : an English Nonconformist

Synonyms

• dissentient
• dissident
• heresiarch
• heretic
• 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

Early last month, Johnson, who has cast three rare tie-breaker votes and come close to issuing the first veto in decades, likened dealing with dissenters to being at a Thanksgiving dinner, where there is sometimes disagreement on what to make. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025

Big Brother was Josef Stalin – controlling the thoughts of his people, punishing dissenters. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 17 May 2025

Harrison was also the only lone dissenter on the bill in a preliminary vote that took place a day prior. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2025

If Roberts joins the four Milligan dissenters, that’s a majority. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dissenter

• indenter
• inventor
• precentor
• preventer
• tormentor
• center
• centre
• enter
• renter
• stentor
• tenter
• epicenter

Kids Definition

dissenter

noun

dis·​sent·​er dis-ˈent-ər 

1

: one that dissents

2

capitalized : an English Protestant who is not in agreement with the rules or beliefs of the Church of England