Synonyms of dispute

dispute 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈspyüt 

1

as in controversy

variance of opinion on a matter

a dispute over the proper pronunciation of "nuclear"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• controversy
• disputation
• debate
• disagreement
• difference
• contestation
• contention
• dissension
• firestorm
• difficulty
• conflict
• nonconcurrence
• quarrel
• clash
• argument
• dissensus
• discord
• dissonance
• collision
• confliction
• struggle
• fight
• altercation
• strife
• misunderstanding
• disaccord
• combat
• falling-out
• division
• set-to
• divarication
• bicker
• apartness
• kickup

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• consensus
• harmony
• accord
• acceptance
• compliance
• unanimity
• peace
• concord

2

as in quarrel

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

after much dispute, the school committee decided that all backpacks would have to be stored in lockers during class hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

• quarrel
• altercation
• disagreement
• controversy
• argument
• fight
• bicker
• misunderstanding
• brawl
• squabble
• disputation
• row
• spat
• imbroglio
• debate
• skirmish
• feud
• tiff
• falling-out
• wrangle
• clash
• set-to
• contretemps
• battle royal
• cross fire
• donnybrook
• rhubarb
• tussle
• kickup
• difference
• argle-bargle
• argy-bargy
• scrap
• tangle
• hassle
• protest
• contention
• run-in
• objection
• logomachy
• attack
• vendetta
• dissension
• protestation
• fisticuffs
• fuss
• melee
• fracas
• catfight
• affray
• fray
• free-for-all

dispute

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈspyüt 

1

as in to question

to demand proof of the truth or rightness of

a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir

Synonyms & Similar Words

• question
• challenge
• contest
• doubt
• call in question
• protest
• impeach
• query
• oppugn
• fight
• oppose
• mistrust
• kick (about)
• resist
• object (to)
• combat

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• believe
• accept
• defend
• support
• embrace
• swallow
• back
• advocate
• promote
• tolerate
• abide
• endure
• champion
• stomach

2

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily

hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bicker
• argue
• quarrel
• fight
• spat
• clash
• squabble
• brawl
• debate
• quibble
• wrangle
• controvert
• row
• fall out
• scrap
• discuss
• hassle
• jar
• tiff
• altercate
• argufy
• lock horns
• mix it up
• brabble
• bandy words
• contest
• butt heads
• challenge
• contend
• dare
• protest
• cavil
• object
• tangle
• defy
• fuss
• nitpick
• consider
• kick

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• get along
• agree
• accept
• concur
• coexist
• consent
• assent

3

as in to debate

to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion

in an extended session the city council disputed the need for a new high school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• debate
• discuss
• argue
• review
• talk over
• moot
• canvass
• agitate
• bat (around or back and forth)
• raise
• bandy
• hash (over or out)
• speak (about)
• talk (about)
• consider
• stir up
• weigh
• talk out
• propound
• introduce
• broach
• hammer out
• thrash (out)
• wrestle (with)
• forge
• deliberate
• chew over

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dispute

Noun

Officers responded to a 911 call and were informed of a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical altercation, the department told Footwear News. —Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026

The dispute eventually widened beyond just money. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Verb

Not to dispute what is happening, but to remember what exists alongside it. —Barry Hoffner, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026

In an internal memo written Tuesday and obtained by the Tribune, King detailed her rationale to the board — and disputed CTU’s claim that her decision would violate its contract with the district. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026