dissertation

noun

dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce dissertation (audio)
Synonyms of dissertation
: an extended usually written treatment of a subject
specifically : one submitted for a doctorate
wrote her dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet
dissertational
ˌdi-sər-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce dissertation (audio)
adjective

Examples of dissertation in a Sentence

He wrote his dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet.
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.
Zavataro is also a PhD candidate at the University of Reading in England, with a dissertation focused on museum audience engagement. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026 In 1980, before even finishing his dissertation, he was invited to teach in the Native-studies department at the University of Lethbridge in southern Alberta, jump-starting a long career in academia. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 But the originality of Arday’s dissertation and his other academic work was also coming under scrutiny, leading to multiple allegations of plagiarism. — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 Imagine handing in a dissertation and your advisor sees the little red flag. — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dissertation

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissertation was in 1651

Rhymes for dissertation

See All Rhymes for dissertation

Browse Nearby Words

dissertate
dissertation
dissertational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

dissertation

noun
dis·​ser·​ta·​tion ˌdis-ər-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce dissertation (audio)
: a long usually written treatment of a subject

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dissertation

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