strife

noun

\ ˈstrīf

Definition of strife

1a : bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension political strife

b : an act of contention : fight, struggle

2 : exertion or contention for superiority

3 archaic : earnest endeavor

Other Words from strife Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about strife

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Choose the Right Synonym for strife

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 strife in a Sentence

in order to avoid family strife, the children spend equal time during the holidays with both of their grandmothers bitter strife between the two political factions

Recent Examples on the Web

The strife within the LGBT coalition is not unique to Britain. — The Economist, "As London prepares for Pride, a row simmers in the LGBT community," 4 July 2019 In March this year, a prominent human rights activist and China critic based in Kazakhstan, was arrested by Kazakh police and charged with inciting ethnic strife, according to his lawyer. — Ben Westcott, CNN, "Weakened by the trade war, Xi returns to security conference ready to woo Modi and Putin," 14 June 2019 The legislation has caused internal strife within the city, even prompting physical violence when lawmakers for and against the bill battled over access to the chamber. — Elizabeth Lawrence, USA TODAY, "Hong Kong police fire tear gas, projectiles as protests over extradition bill escalate," 12 June 2019 Amid this strife, an unlikely resident has moved in: a scarce breed of Indian wolves (Canis lupus pallipes). — Josh Adler, National Geographic, "Making peace in the Golan Heights—between humans and wolves," 11 Apr. 2019 In Lemonade, Beyoncé sang about the power of Black womanhood amid romantic strife. — refinery29.com, "You Are Not Beyoncé. You Do Not Want To Get Paid Only In Equity.," 18 June 2018 Still, some measure of internal strife is inevitable when the stakes are so high. — Evan Halper, latimes.com, "Democrats set their 2020 debate lineups — Biden faces Sanders, while Warren spars with Booker," 14 June 2019 Professional fee bills in the bankruptcy could top $140 million, due to months of strife, lawyers said Monday during opening arguments over Nine West’s chapter 11 exit plan. — Peg Brickley, WSJ, "Bondholders Dispute Nine West Bankruptcy Exit Plan," 5 Feb. 2019 And in the face of such strife, defense is your best offense, says Watkins. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "How to Meditate on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles," 6 Dec. 2018

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