1
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
a dispute over the proper pronunciation of "nuclear"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dispute
Michael Van Sickler, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The simmering dispute has become a geopolitical flashpoint between Washington and Beijing, with Panama caught in the crossfires.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Enriquez disputes much of what has been claimed about him.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Noun
The court is expected to rule on a complex legal dispute in Louisiana on whether congressional districts can be drawn by using race as a factor.
—Michael Van Sickler, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The simmering dispute has become a geopolitical flashpoint between Washington and Beijing, with Panama caught in the crossfires.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
The grand jury would have to totally reject the whole premise of the case that’s being presented to them by the United States attorney because, remember, there are typically no witnesses appearing before the grand jury to dispute the facts.
—John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
Enriquez disputes much of what has been claimed about him.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute
Noun
-
The Independent reported that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is also facing Epstein connected controversy over the appointment and subsequent firing of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, attended the reception.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
-
But the controversy surrounding the event with halftime performer Bad Bunny likely stoked additional interest.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Today the Moon in your sign is at odds with fiery Mars, hinting at domestic quarrels and problems.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The first inkling of the government questioning the DHS account came from the US Department of Justice.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The planned 90,000-square-foot project would represent the most significant change to the White House grounds in decades and is advancing even as it is challenged in court and questioned on Capitol Hill.—
Dan Diamond,
Washington Post,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The choice not to pick a team has left fans bickering with each other.—
Mike Sullivan,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The pair also bicker a bit as Aniston pauses mid-styling session to tame her own ‘do.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Policymakers are interested too, debating whether public policy and taxpayer money should be used to propel off-site construction from niche application to a regular, if not dominant, feature of the industry.—
Ben Christopher,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
-
While many countries still debate how electric air travel should work, China is already laying the foundation.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
According to him, advances in machine learning have yanked questions once trapped inside theological/philosophical disputations into corporate board packs.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Jake is a single father who has brought Kristen up in the severe Calvinist tradition, marked by Bible disputations of Talmudic intricacy and by a radical detachment from secular and popular culture.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2023
Noun
-
Then, with many on the court at this point, Stewart came rushing off the Pistons’ bench to confront Bridges, throwing a punch as their altercation became the focal point of the madness on the hardwood.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
At that point, an altercation ensued, and everyone was eventually forced outside, and the staff shut the door, according to court documents.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Leading through challenging moments requires steadiness, clear priorities, and transparency.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Your 3rd House of Transmissions carries mischievous Mercury, bouncing off of reactive Uranus in your 6th House of Everyday Effort, challenging your rhythm with a last-minute task.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dispute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispute. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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