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
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
The dispute is scheduled to be argued at a June 10 hearing.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 May 2026
ABC News, 20 May 2026
Hernandez declined to comment, but Chang didn’t dispute the assertion that DSA is seeking to gain power.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Noun
The launch also reflects China’s broader push to strengthen domestic energy resilience as import-dependent economies face continued risks from shipping disruptions, sanctions disputes, and instability across global oil markets.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026
The dispute is scheduled to be argued at a June 10 hearing.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
Kabuga, somewhere in his 90s — his age is disputed — and suffering from severe dementia, had been forced to remain in the United Nations detention facility in The Hague after he was found unfit to stand trial in 2023 as no country was willing to take him in, prolonging the case against him.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
Hernandez declined to comment, but Chang didn’t dispute the assertion that DSA is seeking to gain power.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute
Noun
-
The controversy is unfolding in the run-up to France’s 2027 presidential election, in which the far-right Rassemblement National is expected to be a frontrunner — a backdrop that has sharpened anxieties across the cultural sector about concentrated media power.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
27 May 2026
-
First, they are often judged only through narrow lenses like once a year test scores or political controversy, while the public overlooks the broader work schools do to help students feel safe, connected, healthy, and ready for life after graduation.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
-
As the trio quarrels, bonds and ventures through the wild unknown, Felix discovers that true bravery may change not only his own destiny, but also the future of his home.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
Even Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy questioned the idea.—
Josh Funk,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
-
While he was diagnosed with retrograde amnesia, which causes someone to lose memories before an event such as a brain injury, trauma or illness, Shannon’s husband, Eric Evangelista, began to question his diagnosis.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
While the concrete cured, the starting eight matches of the first-ever World Cup were relocated to Pocitos and Gran Parque Central, the home grounds of capital rivals Peñarol and Nacional, who'd been bickering since their first meeting in July 1900.—
Paul Jebara,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
-
SpaceX and the Pentagon have been bickering about the price of using Starshield satellite service during the Iran war, according to a Reuters report published today.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Chicago Preventing relapse after treatment Illinois continues confronting rising behavioral health demands while state and federal policymakers debate Medicaid eligibility rules, work requirements and spending reductions.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
And yet debate moderators spend comparatively little time on public health preparedness.—
Brian Castrucci,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
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
Noun
-
During the altercation, prosecutors said, Snell pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the victims.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
-
Bobby Atkinson, 37, is accused of threatening to kill his wife during a morning altercation at their Louisville home before allegedly torturing her dogs, Brooklyn and Seven, according to the Louisville Courier Journal, WAVE and WKRC.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
Between 48 percent off platform sandals that feel just as cushioned as sneakers, to 60 percent off flexible, low-profile sneakers that’ll never challenge an overpacked suitcase, any of the shoes below will carry you through your summer outings in style.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
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Despite their great start, their opponents challenged them in different ways; opponents, including Chicopee, Winchester, O’Bryant, and Quincy, who all had strong serves, attacks and defense.—
Zach McMahon,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dispute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispute. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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