DISPUTE Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

dispute 1 of 2

noun

di-ˈspyüt

Definition of dispute next

as in controversy

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

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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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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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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 a statement to ABC News, the defendants disputed Ireland's claims, and said an alleged $25 million fraud claim against Ireland filed last year was the catalyst for their dispute. —

Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 The push comes despite an ongoing legal fight between Anthropic and the Pentagon, which earlier this year declared the company a supply-chain threat over a dispute about AI safeguards. —

Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 17 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 See All Example Sentences for dispute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute

Noun

Calloway became internet-famous for her Instagram captions, elaborate personal storytelling, and a series of public controversies that blurred the boundary between confession and performance.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
In a recent interview with the Associated Press about the controversies surrounding his stand-up career in recent years, the comedian, 52, talked about his Comedy Central series, which aired from 2003 to 2006.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026