dissent

[ dih-sent ]

/ dɪˈsɛnt /

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See synonyms for: dissent / dissenting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to differ in sentiment or opinion, especially from the majority; withhold assent; disagree (often followed by from): Two of the justices dissented from the majority decision.

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

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

noun

difference of sentiment or opinion.

dissenting opinion.

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

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

OTHER WORDS FOR dissent

4, 6 disagreement, dissatisfaction, opposition.

See synonyms for dissent on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of dissent

1400–50; late Middle English dissenten (<Middle French dissentir) <Latin dissentīre, equivalent to dis-dis-¹ + sentīre to feel

synonym study for dissent

4, 6. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM dissent

dis·sent·ing·ly, adverbnon·dis·sent·ing, adjective, nounun·dis·sent·ing, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH dissent

decent, descent, dissent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use dissent in a sentence

Warnock’s and Ossoff’s victories give the Democrats the numbers — albeit without any room for intra-caucus dissent — to control the chamber’s priorities.
Sens. Warnock and Ossoff were just sworn in, officially giving Democrats the majority|Gabrielle Birenbaum|January 20, 2021|Vox
Republicans refuse to take responsibility for the seeds of dissent they have sown for years.
This Is Not a ‘Peaceful Transition’|Tracy Moran|January 20, 2021|Ozy
The unsigned order, which contained no noted dissents, seems to leave in place for now the Democratic governor’s substantial limitations, which in some places serve as a ban on indoor services.
Supreme Court sides with California church protesting coronavirus restrictions|Robert Barnes|December 3, 2020|Washington Post
The incident is likely to renew concerns both inside and outside the company about the ethics of its technology and how it deals with employee dissent.
Google ethics researcher’s departure renews worries the company is silencing whistleblowers|Jeremy Kahn|December 3, 2020|Fortune

I said in my dissent that it would be better to send that back to the District Court.
Barrett confirmation hearing day three: Barrett declines to say whether it’s wrong to separate migrant children from parents|Derek Hawkins, Seung Min Kim, Ann Marimow, Karoun Demirjian|October 14, 2020|Washington Post
In 2011, a group of about 60 Democratic donors dissented, signing a letter to Obama calling on him to lead on climate change.
Dem Donors’ Lysistrata Moment on Climate Change|David Freedlander|September 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The member of the three-judge panel who dissented from the majority decision, Terence T. Evans, “was right,” Judge Posner said.
A Judge Sees the Light on ‘Voter Fraud’ Laws|Jamelle Bouie|October 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If you dissented from those common assumptions, you found yourself in a pretty marginal place.
The "Media Bias" Dead End|David Frum|November 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Justice Harlan famously dissented in Plessy, insisting that the Constitution is colorblind.
Impeach the Supreme Court Justices If They Overturn Health-Care Law|David R. Dow|April 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Alone among the top-rated national hosts, I openly dissented and proudly endorsed McCain.
Why the Right Hates Mitt Romney and His 2012 Presidential Bid|Michael Medved|November 10, 2011|DAILY BEAST
"In a matter like this, one or two is always better than a company," Peter Gross dissented.
The Argus Pheasant|John Charles Beecham
From this judgment Lord Roberts (p. 260) dissented vigorously.
Story of the War in South Africa|Captain A. T. Mahan, U.S.N.
Salomy Jane nevertheless dissented, from another and weaker reason.
Stories in Light and Shadow|Bret Harte
Consequently the group will was not only not enacted but it did not even exist so long as a single member dissented.
Introduction to the Science of Sociology|Robert E. Park
“Not to-morrow,” dissented Maria, feeling that the struggle with Margery would be too formidable.
The Shadow of Ashlydyat|Mrs. Henry Wood

British Dictionary definitions for dissent

dissent

/ (dɪˈsɛnt) /

verb (intr)

to have a disagreement or withhold assent

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

noun

a difference of opinion

Christianity separation from an established church; Nonconformism

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

Derived forms of dissent

dissenter, noundissenting, adjectivedissentingly, adverb

Word Origin for dissent

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

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

dissent

OTHER WORDS FOR dissent

Origin of dissent

synonym study for dissent

OTHER WORDS FROM dissent

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH dissent

Words related to dissent

How to use dissent in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dissent

Derived forms of dissent

Word Origin for dissent