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dissension
noun
Synonyms
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.
strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.
conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.
contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.
dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.
variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.
Examples of dissension in a Sentence
Word History
Middle English, from Anglo-French discension, from Latin dissension-, dissensio, from dissentire — see dissent entry 1
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near dissension
Cite this Entry
“Dissension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissension. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
dissension
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on dissension
Nglish: Translation of dissension for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of dissension for Arabic Speakers
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