dissension

noun

dis·​sen·​sion di-ˈsen(t)-shən How to pronounce dissension (audio)
variants or less commonly dissention
: disagreement
especially : partisan and contentious quarreling
causing dissension within the police department
a colony threatened by religious dissension
Choose the Right Synonym for dissension

discord, strife, conflict, contention, dissension, variance mean a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony.

discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Examples of dissension in a Sentence

The incident has caused a lot of dissension within the police department. Religious dissension threatened to split the colony.
Recent Examples on the Web And Biden faces dissension within his own party over his steadfast support for Israel in its war against Hamas. USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 His bills and reforms provoked widespread protests and dissension that threatened to tear the country apart before the war and will haunt it once the conflict ends. Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2024 Here’s a show that believes there is a place for reason and dissension and a path toward working together. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024 John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, will face no such dissension this time around. Timothy McLaughlin, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2024 According to the source, there was some initial dissension among the Legislature regarding the flag's legal recognition, including a decline to sign the bill into law from the Arizona governor at the time, Thomas Edward Campbell. The Arizona Republic, 12 Jan. 2024 Of course, there will be dissension from time to time, and tantrums will be thrown and bad days will happen, but the family meetings will create connection, fun and appreciation for everyone’s needs, including yours. Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2023 In the years following Roe there was much discussion and dissension about the future of the pro-life movement, and the same will be true as that movement navigates its success in Dobbs. Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 The Indian government has become increasingly aggressive in restricting online criticism and dissent, frequently ordering social media companies to take down posts and blocking the internet altogether in areas with significant dissension. Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dissension.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French discension, from Latin dissension-, dissensio, from dissentire — see dissent entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissension was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near dissension

Cite this Entry

“Dissension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissension. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dissension

noun
dis·​sen·​sion dis-ˈen-chən How to pronounce dissension (audio)
: disagreement in opinion : discord

More from Merriam-Webster on dissension

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