dissension
Americannoun
-
strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord.
- Synonyms:
- strife
-
difference in sentiment or opinion; disagreement.
noun
Related Words
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.
And despite the internal dissension, NewsNation’s own “neutral” branding has taken on a more aggressive edge.
From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026
In meetings with staff this spring, a State Department manager told analysts that their continued dissension was damaging INR’s credibility among administration officials, according to two people familiar with the meetings.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 26, 2025
Still, there is little doubt that this could cause delays and dissension — which is part of the plan.
From Salon • Sep. 20, 2024
The dissension contains echoes of 2004, when then-CEO Michael Eisner publicly feuded with high-profile members of the Disney family to stay in power.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2024
Mr. Merriweather could not drive, and if their dissension reached the acrimonious, Mrs. Merriweather would stop the car and hitchhike to town.
From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee
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.
