1
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
a dispute over the proper pronunciation of "nuclear"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
after much dispute, the school committee decided that all backpacks would have to be stored in lockers during class hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to question
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily
hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to debate
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
in an extended session the city council disputed the need for a new high school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dispute
Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Swiss litigation and dispute resolution firm Lalive said the First Brands funding model’s mix of private credit and supply chain finance is reminiscent of the Greensill approach.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputed the family’s account and denied the allegations.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Noun
In Sweden, Nobel’s will sparked a legal dispute within his family, delaying the implementation of his wishes.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Swiss litigation and dispute resolution firm Lalive said the First Brands funding model’s mix of private credit and supply chain finance is reminiscent of the Greensill approach.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
The report cited disputing coverage figures, though as much as $300 million could be insured — far less than the possible payouts required by OpenAI.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputed the family’s account and denied the allegations.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute
Noun
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Her participation had already sparked controversy due to her past ballroom experience.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The bill became a source of controversy in the Golden State, with celebrity chefs among those who rallied against the cookware ban, while environmental and health activists have argued for it.—
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
While still unconfirmed, we’re told that the film sees Louise, the alcoholic mother of Mike (Hechinger) and Tommy, take off after a quarrel with her husband Lester — walking with her dog to the home of her brother Frank, quite a few miles away.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
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Hip-Hop has equally thrived on legendary quarrels and strong relationships.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016 and the racial injustice protests in 2020, more people and institutions questioned the narrative of Columbus as only an intrepid sailor and explorer, arguing for a more complete understanding of his historical impact.—
Terry Tang,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Jones and King both appeal to Trump supporters who question the security of elections.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The pair bicker and bond their way through the whimsical Panda Kingdom, a vibrant world that blends the everyday with the extraordinary, carrying animals and humans alike into something at once magical and mundane.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
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Roberts and Tim Robbins play American journalists in Paris who lose their luggage and bicker over a hotel room and then wind up in bed together.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Geologists debate boundaries of the ring of fire While geologists widely agree upon most regions within the Pacific Ring of Fire, several areas remain subject to debate.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
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With the nation's 250th anniversary approaching, many teachers, parents and politicians are debating the best ways for students to learn about American history.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
-
Jake is a single father who has brought Kristen up in the severe Calvinist tradition, marked by Bible disputations of Talmudic intricacy and by a radical detachment from secular and popular culture.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2023
Noun
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Branch is likely going to get a fine for his role in the altercation with a possible suspension coming too.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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The altercation between Branch and Smith-Schuster started a brawl, with multiple players on each team getting into the fight.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The group said the AI badge will challenge scouts to examine the effects of AI on daily life, learn about the impacts of deepfakes, and work on a project that either incorporates AI or explains the technology in a way other scouts will understand.—
Gordon Ebanks,
CNN Money,
14 Oct. 2025
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This idea weaves through the novel as Sadie, the protagonist, becomes increasingly drawn to Bruno’s worldview, challenging her sense of self and mission.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dispute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispute. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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