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
Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025
By the founding of Israel in 1948, only about 20% of the total area of what is known as historic Palestine had been mapped – a fact that has fueled land disputes to this day.
—Christine Leuenberger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
Dalia Faheid, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025
But the president has also sought to impose tariffs to extract concessions and raise revenues on the belief — which many economists dispute — that America’s yawning trade deficit is a sign of weakness.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Noun
According to one source, Heath has said that the interaction exemplifies the way acts of kindness have been weaponized against himself, Baldoni, and others in the dispute.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025
By the founding of Israel in 1948, only about 20% of the total area of what is known as historic Palestine had been mapped – a fact that has fueled land disputes to this day.
—Christine Leuenberger, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
Fremont officials, however, dispute that the ordinance is unique to the city.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025
But the president has also sought to impose tariffs to extract concessions and raise revenues on the belief — which many economists dispute — that America’s yawning trade deficit is a sign of weakness.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute
Noun
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However, the controversy surrounding the actress’ old tweets threw her Oscars attendance into question.—
Abby Monteil,
Them,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The message blip, which was replicated several times by The New York Times, provoked controversy after appearing in a viral TikTok post, raising questions about Apple’s artificial intelligence capabilities.—
Tripp Mickle,
New York Times,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The public quarrel between Trump and Zelenskyy began after Russia and the U.S. agreed Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties.—
ILLIA NOVIKOV,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
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The public quarrel between New Zealand and Cook Islands — which share a passport, a military and constitutional ties — was a victory for Beijing’s efforts to woo Pacific leaders and a blow to Western countries’ efforts to counter China’s sway, analysts said.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Hegseth previously questioned her appointment in his 2024 book.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
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Other sheriffs’ concerns Other sheriffs have questioned ICE’s process and House Bill 10.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Without politics to bicker over or political visions to debate, the candidates mostly pitched themselves and their personal connections to the community.—
Jesse Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Meeting in Munich This combination of carping about America, bickering with each other, and grandstanding for the cameras has typified European responses to the Russian invasion of Feb. 24, 2022, and the three years of war that followed.—
Dominic Green,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Think pop-up shops, spice blending, and casually debating the best way to season a brisket.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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The science on transgender procedures, including hormone replacement and surgery, is hotly debated.—
Brady Knox,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
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
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And yet there is one aspect of the book which was notable: a disputation of the Richard Wrangham's work in Demonic Males.—
Razib Khan,
Discover Magazine,
22 Apr. 2013
Noun
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His family has requested the body cam footage of the altercation, but has not been able to view it.—
Cody Copeland,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the two shell casings that were recovered from the scene by Relli and turned in to police two days after the altercation had no fingerprints.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Homer Township Reset slate, a group of Republicans challenging the incumbent township administration, was leading by a large margin Tuesday night in the Homer Township Republican primary after all precincts reported, according to unofficial results.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2025
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Currently, there are more than 80 lawsuits challenging Trump’s executive orders for violating both federal law and the Constitution.—
Claire B. Wofford,
The Conversation,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dispute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispute. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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