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View synonyms for dissent

dissent

[dih-sent]

verb (used without object)

  1. to differ in sentiment or opinion, especially from the majority; withhold assent; disagree (often followed byfrom ).

    Two of the justices dissented from the majority decision.

  2. to disagree with the methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government; take an opposing view.

  3. to disagree with or reject the doctrines or authority of an established church.



noun

  1. difference of sentiment or opinion.

  2. dissenting opinion.

  3. disagreement with the philosophy, methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government.

  4. separation from an established church, especially the Church of England; nonconformity.

dissent

/ dɪˈsɛnt /

verb

  1. to have a disagreement or withhold assent

  2. Christianity to refuse to conform to the doctrines, beliefs, or practices of an established church, and to adhere to a different system of beliefs and practices

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a difference of opinion

  2. Christianity separation from an established church; Nonconformism

  3. the voicing of a minority opinion in announcing the decision on a case at law; dissenting judgment

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • dissenter noun
  • dissenting adjective
  • dissentingly adverb
  • nondissenting adjective
  • undissenting adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dissent1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English dissenten, from Middle French dissentir, from Latin dissentīre, from dis- dis- 1 + sentīre “to feel”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dissent1

C16: from Latin dissentīre to disagree, from dis- 1 + sentīre to perceive, feel
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Synonym Study

Dissent, dissidence mean disagreement with the majority opinion. Dissent may express either withholding of agreement or open disagreement. Dissidence, formerly much the same as dissent, has come to suggest not only strong dissatisfaction but a determined opposition.
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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.

If more than two of the nine jurors dissent, then the accused is found not guilty.

Read more on BBC

In the interest of suppressing dissent, the administration and its allies in Congress and in state government are hobbling every corner of American life, from politics to sports and entertainment.

Read more on Salon

The administration uses government authority to suppress dissent and silence critics, pressuring tech companies to remove apps tracking ICE activities and shut down organizing platforms.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Pill’s comments suggest he will vote to leave the key rate unchanged, as he did when dissenting against the majority in August.

The Uganda Law Society said Mr Sebuufu's ordeal had not been an isolated case, but was "part of a systematic campaign to silence dissent and crush the aspirations of people yearning for freedom".

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When To Use

What's the difference between dissent and descent?

Dissent can be a noun meaning disagreement, as in I voiced my dissent, or a verb meaning to disagree, as in The judge is expected to dissent. Descent is a noun that means the act of moving downward (descending), a downward movement, or downward movement in general.The two words are pronounced exactly the same.Perhaps the best way to remember the difference between the two is to think about what related words mean and how they’re spelled. Words related to dissent involve agreement or disagreement and end with -sent, including assent and consent.Words related to descent involve movement and are spelled with sc, including descend, ascent, ascension, and transcend.Here’s an example of dissent and descent used correctly in a sentence.Example: There was dissent among the climbers about whether they should attempt the descent during the storm.

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dissensiondissenter