DISSENSUS Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

dissensus

noun

(ˌ)di(s)-ˈsen(t)-səs

Definition of dissensus

as in debate

variance of opinion on a matter a democracy relies on dissensus as much as on consensus

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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 dissensus These dramas of politics — each involving the high court’s first black justice — arrive at a singularly contentious political moment in an atmosphere of angry, sometimes violent dissensus. — Manohla Dargis and A.o. Scott, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissensus

Noun

While the referendum debate has almost entirely centered on the economy – for example, the potential impact of joining the Eurozone and changing fishing policy – the vote is not happening in a vacuum.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Their debates can get heated, but Gray, who describes himself as a conflict-averse person in a high-conflict business, says the criticism should never be personal.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of debate

Noun

This did not, however, mark the end of disputation concerning the Northwest Angle.

— Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
According to him, advances in machine learning have yanked questions once trapped inside theological/philosophical disputations into corporate board packs.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025

Definition of disputation

Noun

The planned center for arbitrating investment and commercial disputes, for example, will sit within the Syrian Investment Authority, which is itself attached to the presidency.

— Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
Adair died in jail following a dispute with deputies, including Fatherley, who knelt on his back.

— Sofi Zeman August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of dispute

Noun

Although the allegations became a significant controversy surrounding his political career, higher courts later invalidated key evidence in the investigation, and the criminal complaint against him was rejected in 2022.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
The vote came without debate on the Assembly floor, despite previous controversy over the changes as the bill moved through the Senate.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of controversy

Noun

Big picture The league and the union are meeting regularly on various topics, but their disagreement on core economics — whether to move to a cap system — leaves little room for progress on the major issues.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
What the disagreement was about Auditors for the city of Atlanta said the transit agency overcharged for enhanced bus service and owed the city $70 million from a fund to pay for new MARTA projects.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disagreement

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dissensions

dissensus

dissensuses

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“Dissensus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissensus. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dissensus

noun

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