strife

Definition of strifenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strife contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strife are conflict, contention, discord, dissension, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," 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 is it sensible to use conflict instead of strife?

While the synonyms conflict and strife are close in meaning, 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

In what contexts can contention take the place of strife?

The words contention and strife can be used in similar contexts, 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 could discord be used to replace strife?

While in some cases nearly identical to strife, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When might dissension be a better fit than strife?

The words dissension and strife are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When would variance be a good substitute for strife?

In some situations, the words variance and strife are roughly equivalent. 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 strife The end of a color-blind détente doesn’t justify the means of deliberate racial strife. Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 Lebanon’s fractured system of government makes those fears of civil war or sectarian strife more potent. Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 June 2026 Though The Four Seasons is a show fundamentally rooted in marital strife, its core cast members are all enjoying drama-free relationships in real life. Emma Banks, InStyle, 31 May 2026 But moving too aggressively risked internal strife. Euan Ward, New Yorker, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for strife
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strife
Noun
  • Despite the discord, the regime is likely to have the final say.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • What should have been a celebratory moment involving the city’s beach ended in discord.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The story being told has centered around the Aerial Assassin, but could AEW shock everyone by taking the rivalry in a different direction?
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • The biggest rivalry in the WNBA delivered.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • All five candidates focused on ensuring the person selected is properly qualified and prepared for the position and that there wouldn’t be friction between roles like the city manager and City Council.
    Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
  • The goal is not novelty but speed and friction removal.
    Peter High, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Thomas, 25, has seen limited playing time this season due to some offensive struggles.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Carvalho’s struggles included a three-day strike in March 2023.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
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
  • After several years as an orphan, Pumphrey died in a South Caroline pine forest on August 16, 1780, in what was one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • Aegon was severely injured by Aemond and Vhagar in that battle.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Between February and August, fallout from the Iran war will have destroyed 800 million barrels of oil demand, JPMorgan estimates.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Oil tanker traffic through Hormuz before the war might represent the high point for transits for the foreseeable future, said Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • And this is all due to how AI is rapidly changing warfare.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
  • The history of warfare is often measured in winners, losers, troop sizes, dollars and human casualties; but collateral damage across the animal kingdom far outlasts the final shot.
    The Los Angeles Times, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strife. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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