DISPUTE Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

dispute 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈspyüt

Definition of dispute

as in controversy

variance of opinion on a matter a dispute over the proper pronunciation of "nuclear"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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dispute

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈspyüt

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dispute

Noun

In 2023, ahead of the 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, the Reggae Girlz once again staged a boycott over payment disputes with the Federation. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 26 Oct. 2026 The alliance has since been strained by disputes over a Gaza ceasefire and the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Verb

Woodland police have disputed ICE’s account of the incident as its investigation continues. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026 If the seller doesn't resolve the problem, contact your card issuer about disputing the charge. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute

Noun

The Republican nominee defended the political ad until it was pulled by the campaign, while Acton used the controversy to her advantage.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
Although the film is not true to some parts of the book, which caused some controversy among staunch King fans, Kubrick does bring to life the terrors King so aptly wrote about, including domestic abuse, isolation, helplessness, and alcoholism.

— Radhika Seth, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of controversy

Noun

When a quarrel over an inheritance revives old hostilities, their relationship comes under pressure from greed and treachery in a conflict not of their making.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Aly’s quarrel begins with a name; Luna’s arrives at the rank implied by father.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of quarrel

Verb

Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Verb

The two of them together, just 17 months apart, shared playlists, bickered over where to stop during Apple CarPlay calls, pulled up beside me and faded away with silly faces, encapsulating 20 years of my life in my rearview mirror.

— Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Like law enforcement agents everywhere, they’re disposed to bickering about jurisdiction or pumping each other for off-limits information.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of bicker

Verb

During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, council members debated the Axon pilot program after hearing from scores of people who spoke out in opposition to more cameras.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Observers can and should debate specific policy positions vigorously.

— Ali Wyne, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

Noun

This contestation takes place through philosophical debates, religious disputations, and public discussions, whether direct or indirect, open or clandestine.

— Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
This did not, however, mark the end of disputation concerning the Northwest Angle.

— Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026

Definition of disputation

Noun

Several callers reported that multiple individuals were involved in the altercation as well as a possible weapon.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026
The police chief told reporters the shooting likely stemmed from an altercation between two to three individuals and that the department’s Violent Crimes Unit would lead the ongoing investigation.

— Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of altercation

Verb

During the state elections in 1967, Jagdish Master, a teacher turned activist, challenged the veto of the landlords over Dalit suffrage by escorting a group of Dalits to a polling booth in Ekwari, a village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
The ban passed in April 2025 and is being challenged by a group of educators, students, parents and activists who say the law violates their 1st and 14th Amendment rights.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026