dispute

1 variance of opinion on a matter a dispute over the proper pronunciation of “nuclear” Synonyms contestation, controversy, debate, difference, difficulty, disputation, disagreement, dissension (also dissention), dissensus, firestorm, nonconcurrenceRelated Words clash, collision, conflict, confliction, disaccord, discord, dissonance; apartness, divarication, division; combat, contention, strife, struggle; altercation, argument, bicker, falling-out, fight, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, set-toNear Antonyms acceptance, compliance; concord, peaceAntonyms accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity

2 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 altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire, disagreement, argument, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangleRelated Words clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle; logomachy; feud, vendetta; attack, contention, dissension (also dissention); debate, difference, disputation; fuss, objection, protest, protestation; affray [chiefly British], fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mêlée); catfight

1 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 contest, challenge, impeach, oppugn, query, questionRelated Words doubt, mistrust; kick (about), object (to), protest; combat, fight, oppose, resistNear Antonyms back, defend, support; advocate, champion, promote; abide, endure, stomach, tolerateAntonyms accept, believe, embrace, swallow

2 to express different opinions about something often angrily hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team Synonyms altercate, argufy, bicker, brabble, brawl, controvert, argue, fall out, fight, hassle, jar, quarrel, quibble, row, scrap, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangleRelated Words challenge, dare, defy; clash, contend, contest, tangle; cavil, fuss, nitpick; consider, debate, discuss; kick, object, protestNear Antonyms coexist, get along; accept, agree, assent, concur, consent

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