DISCONTENT Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

discontent 1 of 3

adjective

ˌdis-kən-ˈtent

Definition of discontent

as in dissatisfied

having a feeling that one has been wronged or thwarted in one's ambitions a novel about a woman who is desperately discontent with the stifling limitations of her small-town life

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discontent

2 of 3

noun

as in dissatisfaction

the condition of being dissatisfied with one's life or situation the rebels worked to stir up discontent among the citizens

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discontent

3 of 3

verb

as in to displease

to make discontented the ongoing lack of decent food discontented and demoralized the soldiers in the rebel army

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of discontent

Adjective

Brown, who will miss Week 8 with a hamstring injury, still seems somewhat discontent over his usage. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 Yet there has been discontent among the fanbase at the steady trickle of youthful talent exiting the club this summer. — Andy Jones, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024

Noun

The situation has become so bad that Russia – normally one of the world’s leading energy exporters – is now facing severe nationwide gas shortages, leading to rationing in its assorted regions and mounting local discontent. — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 One of the standout prototypes this year was the BMW Alpina, a material manifestation of the marque’s discontent with the status quo. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

The struggle to confront the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies and a subsequent rise in health care premiums has added to discontent on Capitol Hill, along with growing concern over Democrats winning the argument on affordability. — The Hill Staff, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025 Recent measures reportedly taken by the district have added to discontent among union members. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discontent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontent

Adjective

According to Blue Apron's policy, customers who are dissatisfied with a meal or ingredient can contact the company within seven days of receiving their order.

— Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Researchers explored why consumers are so dissatisfied with the taste of tomatoes in the store.

— Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissatisfied

Noun

For young people just entering the workforce, high-unemployment coupled with the high cost of living added to their dissatisfaction.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
As popular dissatisfaction with the country’s traditional politicians and political parties grew, many Bolivians began looking to leaders who had emerged from the social movements themselves.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissatisfaction

Verb

While most of the male cops were unhappy with the gender integration of the department, a lot of the women officers were displeased, too.

— Wilbert L. Cooper, Longreads, 25 Aug. 2026
The only cohort of players likely to be displeased with this year’s prize money increases are doubles specialists.

— Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of displease

Verb

The political stalemate is likely to leave both Republicans and Democrats dissatisfied.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 July 2026
After a series of coups by officers dissatisfied with lagging counterterrorism efforts, juntas in the three countries booted France altogether, establishing close ties with Russia instead.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2026

Definition of dissatisfy

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“Discontent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of discontent

adjective

noun

verb

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