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 The strife — and the political debate — intensified after Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard and the Marines. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 13 June 2025 As civil strife grows around the world, clashes are on the rise in the workplace too. Harvard Business Review, 12 June 2025 As our editorial details, the president has broad authority, under Article II and statutory law, to use force as necessary to suppress unrest that creates violent civil strife and impedes lawful federal functions. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 9 June 2025 The lasting impact of the 1953 coup While the U.S. and Iran have butt heads over a range of issues since the 1979 revolution and hostage crisis, including years of strife over Iran’s nuclear program, the 1953 coup remains a critical event still invoked in modern Iran. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 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
  • The common thread is technology that removes friction, creates visibility and adapts to changing needs.
    Alaa Pasha, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • For sure, this can prove too sanguine and perhaps there will be unanticipated economic friction ahead.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Ra’s faith in cosmic travel put him at odds with other prominent African American figures of the period, who saw the space race as a distraction from the more urgent struggles of the civil rights era.
    Ekow Eshun July 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • There have been conflicts between rideshare drivers and taxis in the past, so consider sticking with a reputable taxi or car service, However, the more adventurous can rent a car to explore nearby cenotes, ruins, and regional highlights.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • The deportations – part of a program Iran announced in March – have radically increased in pace since the 12-day conflict with Israel, fueled by unsubstantiated claims that Afghans had spied for Israel prior to and during the attacks.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Dorsey notably supported Kendrick Lamar during the high-profile rap battle between Kendrick and Drake last year, prompting fans to speculate that his apparent stance may have been influenced by Rooks’ connection to the Canadian rapper.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 July 2025
  • His 2014 film The Grave tells the story of a man who hears about the discovery of a mass grave and escapes from a nursing home to confront his past on the site of the Battle of the Ebro, the longest and largest battle of the Spanish Civil War.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Throughout history, technological advantages have altered the course of wars, sometimes suddenly.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • The president said on Monday that the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on countries that engage in trade with Russia if there is no peace deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
    Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Strife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strife. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

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