dissension
Americannoun
-
strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord.
- Synonyms:
- strife
-
difference in sentiment or opinion; disagreement.
noun
Synonym Usage
See quarrel 1.
Etymology
Origin of dissension
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English dissenciun, dissensio(u)n, from Anglo-French, from Latin dissēnsiōn- (stem of dissēnsiō ), equivalent to dissēns(us) (past participle of dissentīre; dissent- ( see dissent) + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
You can use the noun dissension for situations where people just can't agree or get along. There is often dissension between labor unions and governments vying for funds, or even between siblings — vying for attention. A dissension is a disagreement, or difference of opinion, and the meaning hasn't changed since the word first came into use in French in about the 12th century. Sometimes a dissension is simply a brief and easily resolved disagreement, and at other times it might last for thousands of years. People in the Balkans have had centuries of religious dissension, alternating with periods of peaceable coexistence.
Vocabulary lists containing dissension
The Great Gatsby
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A Midsummer Night's Dream
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"On Women's Right to Vote" by Susan B. Anthony
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dissension among the board grew, and Neugebauer’s charismatic, but at-times abrasive, style rubbed some the wrong way, some of the people said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026
Dissension among jurors was first revealed Thursday when 11 jurors said in a note to the judge that they were unanimously requesting that one juror be replaced by an alternate juror.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2022
Dissension in the ranks, but the plan progresses.
From Salon • Jul. 19, 2010
Dissension on the Fox side is worrying negotiators that a deal might not be complete in time for the network's "upfront" presentation to advertisers May 17 -- if a deal happens at all.
From Reuters • Apr. 12, 2010
Alas! how light a —— may move Dissension between hearts that love!
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
