dissenter

noun

dis·​sent·​er di-ˈsen-tər How to pronounce dissenter (audio)
Synonyms of dissenternext
1
: one that dissents
2
Dissenter : an English Nonconformist

Synonyms of dissenter

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Examples of dissenter in a Sentence

a society that prized conformity very highly and treated dissenters of any kind very harshly
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.
The Basij boosted its presence during the war, and hard-liners have held nightly rallies in Tehran and other cities, drumming up support and intimidating any possible dissenters. — Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Since joining the court in 2022, Jackson has become a prolific and passionate dissenter, unafraid to criticize the conservative majority even when her fellow liberal justices do not always join her. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Their restricted status turned many into dissenters and activists, often tailed by the KGB and getting their phone lines cut in an effort to keep their stories quiet. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 This echoed recent comments from three dissenters — Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan — who supported pulling the trigger on a quarter-point rate hike. — Andrew Moran, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dissenter

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissenter was in 1639

Rhymes for dissenter

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Browse Nearby Words

dissentaneous
dissenter
dissentience
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Cite this Entry

“Dissenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissenter. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dissenter

noun
dis·​sent·​er dis-ˈent-ər How to pronounce dissenter (audio)
1
: one that dissents
2
capitalized : an English Protestant who is not in agreement with the rules or beliefs of the Church of England
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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