strife

noun

ˈstrīf

Synonyms of strife next

: bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension

political strife

: an act of contention : fight, struggle

: exertion or contention for superiority

archaic : earnest endeavor

strifeless

ˈstrī-fləs

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for strife

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 strife in a Sentence

in order to avoid family strife, the children spend equal time during the holidays with both of their grandmothers bitter strife between the two political factions

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Content by this author: Afghanistan’s Ethnic Puzzle In 2001, fearing ethnic strife, the international community pushed for a strong central government in Kabul. —

Thomas Barfield, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 The official synopsis for Rose’s Lear Rex reads: An aging king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters to prevent future strife. —

Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 The strife was intensified by layoffs last year that included the club’s entire equity team and many staffers of color. —

Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 The Hot Boys reunion came after numerous delays due to internal strife among the group members. —

Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for strife

Word History

Etymology

Middle English strif, from Anglo-French estrif, estri, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch striden to fight, Old High German strītan to quarrel — more at stride

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of strife was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Strife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strife. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

strife

noun

ˈstrīf

: bitter sometimes violent disagreement

political strife

: struggle entry 2 sense 2, fight

Last Updated: 23 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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strife

noun

Synonyms

Examples of strife in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near strife

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition