variants also dissention
Definition of dissensionnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun dissension contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dissension are conflict, contention, discord, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

Where would conflict be a reasonable alternative to dissension?

The words conflict and dissension are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

When is contention a more appropriate choice than dissension?

The synonyms contention and dissension are sometimes interchangeable, but contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When might discord be a better fit than dissension?

The words discord and dissension can be used in similar contexts, but discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When is it sensible to use strife instead of dissension?

Although the words strife and dissension have much in common, strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When could variance be used to replace dissension?

The meanings of variance and dissension largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

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 dissension The dissension over Valley Link reflects a larger debate over how the Bay Area should grow. Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026 The revolutionaries failed because of their internal dissensions, because of the distrust of Piedmont by the smaller states, because of the Piedmontese distrust of France, and because of the confusion over the role that the papacy should play in the making of Italy. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026 There appeared to be some dissension over his selection. Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026 Even if the only information released is the amount spent on each team, opponents could extrapolate payrolls or create dissension over how much different teams get. ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dissension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissension
Noun
  • But the discord between the two leaders stretches far beyond disagreements over the conflict in the Middle East.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 24 June 2026
  • Despite the discord, the regime is likely to have the final say.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Worth noting Relievers Sam Hentges and Ryan Walker made their first appearances back at Oracle Park since the Pride Night controversy became a national story.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
  • The controversy began during a segment on the French sports network L’Équipe when presenter France Pierron argued that participating in the World Cup was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should take precedence over family obligations.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • His Yanks might have won the World Series in 1994, Showalter’s third year, if that World Series hadn’t been canceled by labor strife.
    Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The tabloids have been extra vicious of late regarding your family strife.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Brad Pitt may have scored a win in his yearslong winery dispute with ex Angelina Jolie, but the battle is far from over.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Showdowns over international inspectors caused years of disputes between the US and Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and more recently Iran.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Daily stressors may stir up deeper internal friction.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Below, Segert shares five strategic priorities for healthcare technology that reduces friction, automates administrative work and helps doctors deliver better patient care.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • This did not, however, mark the end of disputation concerning the Northwest Angle.
    Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • His father, Manuel Cepeda, was a prominent figure in the Colombian Communist Party, and was assassinated in 1994 during a particularly bloody era in Colombia's internal conflict.
    David Unsworth, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • The town’s predicament highlights the limits of any ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and the lingering hardship faced by residents whose lives have been upended by years of conflict.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • More broadly, the technology also reignites debates over how to balance learning efficiency against the risk of cheating.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • The complexity at play in data center debates is often what has prompted moratoriums, with local governments looking for more time to properly take stock of concerns from neighbors and the facts at hand.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dissension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissension. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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