dissension
noun
Synonyms
- conflict
- disaccord
- discord
- discordance
- discordancy
- disharmony
- dissent
- dissidence
- dissonance
- disunion
- disunity
- division
- friction
- infighting
- inharmony
- schism
- strife
- variance
- war
- warfare
Example Sentences
Michael Mccann, Variety, 10 Sep. 2022 Both world leaders have accused the West of over stepping in regional matters and fueling dissension. Caitlin Mcfall, Fox News, 7 Sep. 2022 Who knew this could happen in this utopian summer community, which tries to combat the dissension in the world with conversation. Lydia Strohl, CNN, 13 Aug. 2022 Another chapter was added to the ongoing dissension between MLB and the Players Association last week when the sides failed to come to an agreement on an international draft. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 The fault lines in the L.A. political left echo broader internal dissension in the Democratic Party about the definition of a progressive, and what kind of policies can win elections. Julia Wickstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2022 All members of the Prince George’s County Board of Education’s ethics panel will resign Friday, almost a year after producing reports critical of some board members and causing mass dissension in the county. Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2022 Although Western officials and observers have spoken of disarray, disorganization and disillusionment within Russian military ranks, Zelenskyy made a rare disclosure of dissension or problems within Ukraine’s forces. Patrick J. Mcdonnell, Henry Chu And Kate Linthicum, Anchorage Daily News, 2 Apr. 2022 Although Western officials and observers have spoken of disarray, disorganization and disillusionment within Russian military ranks, Zelensky made a rare disclosure of dissension or problems within Ukraine’s forces. Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Middle English, from Anglo-French discension, from Latin dissension-, dissensio, from dissentire — see dissent entry 1
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
dissension
noun
dissension
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- discord
- strife
- dissent
- conflict
- war
- discordance
- warfare
- schism
- division
- discordancy
- disunity
- dispute
- disharmony
- friction
- dissonance
- infighting
- clash
- disunion
- dissidence
- inharmony
- variance
- disaccord
- debate
- disagreement
- argument
- contention
- hostility
- animosity
- quarrel
- altercation
- fissure
- squabble
- inconsistency
- competition
- enmity
- divide
- bicker
- antagonism
- rancor
- collision
- incongruence
- tiff
- incongruity
- incompatibility
- fight
- spat
- brawl
- miff
- wrangle
- antipathy
- inconsistence
- falling-out
- row
- incongruousness
- mix-up
- cold war
- ill will
- inconsonance
- hassle
- inharmoniousness
- jar
- scrap
- run-in
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- harmony
- peace
- agreement
- cooperation
- concord
- concurrence
- accord
- concordance
Synonyms & Similar Words
- disputation
- disagreement
- dispute
- controversy
- debate
- difference
- contention
- dissensus
- discord
- contestation
- firestorm
- nonconcurrence
- difficulty
- dissonance
- misunderstanding
- strife
- conflict
- confliction
- argument
- clash
- disaccord
- quarrel
- collision
- apartness
- altercation
- division
- struggle
- bicker
- combat
- divarication
- fight
- falling-out
- set-to
- kickup
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- consensus
- agreement
- harmony
- unanimity
- acceptance
- compliance
- accord
- peace
- concord
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of dissension are conflict, contention, discord, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.
The words conflict and dissension are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.
The synonyms contention and dissension are sometimes interchangeable, but contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.
The words discord and dissension can be used in similar contexts, but discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.
Although the words strife and dissension have much in common, strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.
The meanings of variance and dissension largely overlap; however, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.