as in dissidents
a person who believes, teaches, or advocates something opposed to accepted beliefs
a society that prized conformity very highly and treated dissenters of any kind very harshly
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Recent Examples of dissenters
However, such a storied brand as Clinique even knows a universally flattering shade can still have its dissenters.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Demanding papers, dragging away dissenters.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The alternative is a politics in which the state survives by making dissenters illegitimate as citizens.
—Stephanie A, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026
Though the dissenters were in the minority, as this was the direction the movement was headed.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Soon, dissenters are labeled enemies of the state.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2026
The Venezuelan regime assassinated dissenters, unlawfully detained opposition leaders (such as Maria Corina Machado), and still holds political prisoners hostage.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
The dissenters were Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
People have been betrayed by organizations, families and religious groups, which can be harshest on their dissenters.
—Peter Smith, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Demanding papers, dragging away dissenters.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The alternative is a politics in which the state survives by making dissenters illegitimate as citizens.
—Stephanie A, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026
Though the dissenters were in the minority, as this was the direction the movement was headed.
—Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
Soon, dissenters are labeled enemies of the state.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2026
The Venezuelan regime assassinated dissenters, unlawfully detained opposition leaders (such as Maria Corina Machado), and still holds political prisoners hostage.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
The dissenters were Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025
People have been betrayed by organizations, families and religious groups, which can be harshest on their dissenters.
—Peter Smith, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissenters
dissidents
Noun
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Advertisement But pro-democracy figures have argued that local governance has grown increasingly aligned with the mainland as political dissidents have either been jailed or exiled, organizations have disbanded, and a free press dismantled.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
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Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dissenters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissenters. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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