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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 dissenters
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
People have been betrayed by organizations, families and religious groups, which can be harshest on their dissenters.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 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
Yet Buffett is known for treating even rude dissenters at shareholder meetings with respect and refuses to dobusiness with people of questionable character.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Dec. 2025
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
People have been betrayed by organizations, families and religious groups, which can be harshest on their dissenters.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 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
Yet Buffett is known for treating even rude dissenters at shareholder meetings with respect and refuses to dobusiness with people of questionable character.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 14 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissenters
dissidents
Noun
-
Part of the reason the regime in Havana has been able to survive so long is that, unlike Venezuela, where several opposition parties are still legal, Fidel Castro abolished all opposition parties and dissidents like Ferrer are routinely sent to prison or exile.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
-
This style of family-power politics reliably produces dissidents and black sheep—in this case, Brandon, a son of Skeet’s younger brother.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dissenters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissenters. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
