strife

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 In the absence of a viable, united, and organized alternative inside or outside Iran, the fall of the Islamic Republic might send the country into a period of civil strife—or lead to a military dictatorship determined to obtain nuclear deterrence. Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025 Peacock’s latest cop drama shines an unflinching light on a pair of siblings divided by the ongoing strife of the American opioid crisis. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 16 June 2025 When the national government in Mogadishu collapsed in 1991, after years of strife, Somaliland broke away. Kate Bartlett, Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2025 Not every center with substantial research output was free from internal strife, however. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strife
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strife
Noun
  • The key is discerning between those who are willing to grow and those who choose to sow discord.
    Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The remarks were filled with provocations and intended to sow discord.
    John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s been a lot of change in college football in recent years, but rivalries still form the foundation of the sport for so many fans.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • Adding an element of controversy to what’s been an unusually friendly title rivalry, Piastri even suggested that if McLaren thought the call was unfair, the team could ask him and Norris to swap places to cancel the effect of the penalty.
    James Ellingworth, Denver Post, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • When capital matches their workflow, friction falls away, timelines shrink and more homes reach the market—faster.
    Ryan Stroker, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The friction between DeSantis and the House began over resistance to the governor’s call for a special session on immigration.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Rivera fired his Taser at Feliz, then got into the car on the passenger’s side and threatened to shoot Rivera as a physical struggle ensued, according to body camera footage, as another officer attempted to yank Feliz out of the vehicle.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
  • Garcia then acknowledged the 15-time major winner's current health struggles.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • During the recent conflict, the Israeli Air Force demonstrated an impressive capability to reach targets deep inside Iran while relying on its aged Boeing 707 tankers for refueling its fighter jets.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Despite the flare-up, Wedbush technology analyst Dan Ives expects the conflict between Musk and Mr. Trump to die down moving forward.
    Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Potter faces a battle to restore optimism among the fanbase.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 7 July 2025
  • The battle will continue as Trump has blasted the mainstream media for years and signed an executive order to cut federal funding for National Public Radio and PBS, said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson of East Hartford.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Israel’s war with Iran is over Unfortunately, the history of foreign policy and military mistakes shows the folly of assuming one’s opponents will behave as desired.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Iran Offer The flare-up between India and Pakistan has been overshadowed globally by the war between Israel and Iran, with the United States also joining strikes against Tehran's nuclear program.
    Jennifer Cunningham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 9 July 2025
  • In World War II, amphibious aircraft were used for reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, and anti-submarine warfare.
    Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strife. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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