Definition of STRIFE

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

This dynamic has deepened tensions between many native French and second-generation immigrants, adding cultural and ethnic strife to the already volatile environment created by socioeconomic malaise. — Pascal-emmanuel Gobry, WSJ, "The Failure of the French Elite," 22 Feb. 2019 Small countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and the Philippines are reporting outbreaks of violence and political strife that local activists blame partly on Facebook. — Jessi Hempel, WIRED, "What Happened to Facebook's Grand Plan to Wire the World?," 17 May 2018 If the Capital Gazette shooting is a harbinger of a new era where local media organizations face serious safety threats as well as debilitating financial strife, the consequences could be dire, Dalglish said. — Caroline Simon, USA TODAY, "Capital Gazette shooting highlights the dangers facing today's journalists," 3 July 2018 The Mammals bring folk-Americana activism back to G.A.R. Hall CLEVELAND, Ohio - Social issues and strife have always been triggers for folk music, as much as complacency has been an anathema. — Joey Morona, cleveland.com, "'Game of Thrones' creators to write, produce new series of 'Star Wars' movies," 6 Feb. 2018 Getty Images Anyone who has ever been banished to the kiddie table knows their strife. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Princess Charlotte Isn't Allowed to Sit With Her Parents During Royal Visit Dinners," 2 June 2018 Adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, who is entrenched in a lawsuit with President Trump, will receive the key to the city of West Hollywood on Wednesday as officials honor for her legal strife. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "Stormy Daniels set to be honored in West Hollywood," 23 May 2018 But the economic strife is more severe this time round. — Nicholas Bariyo, WSJ, "Sudan’s Deadly Protests Pressure President’s Three-Decade Rule," 28 Dec. 2018 But Truaxe has been vocal about the alleged strife facing the company, even amid wait lists in the thousands and glowing product reviews. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Deciem's Founder Says the Skin-Care Brand Is Temporarily Shutting Down," 8 Oct. 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.