STRIFE Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'strife' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strife are conflict , contention , discord , dissension , and variance . While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved. // during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

Q: When is it sensible to use 'conflict' instead of 'strife'?

While the synonyms conflict and strife are close in meaning, conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires. // the conflict of freedom and responsibility

Q: In what contexts can 'contention' take the place of 'strife'?

The words contention and strife can be used in similar contexts, but contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy. // several points of contention about the new zoning law

Q: When could 'discord' be used to replace 'strife'?

While in some cases nearly identical to strife , discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism. // a political party long racked by discord

Q: When might 'dissension' be a better fit than 'strife'?

The words dissension and strife are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions. // religious dissension threatened to split the colony

Q: When would 'variance' be a good substitute for 'strife'?

In some situations, the words variance and strife are roughly equivalent. However, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest. // cultural variances that work against a national identity

strife

noun

ˈstrīf

Definition of strife next

as in discord

a lack of agreement or harmony in order to avoid family strife, the children spend equal time during the holidays with both of their grandmothers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rivalry

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another bitter strife between the two political factions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strife contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strife are conflict, contention, discord, dissension, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When is it sensible to use conflict instead of strife?

While the synonyms conflict and strife are close in meaning, conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

In what contexts can contention take the place of strife?

The words contention and strife can be used in similar contexts, but contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When could discord be used to replace strife?

While in some cases nearly identical to strife, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When might dissension be a better fit than strife?

The words dissension and strife are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When would variance be a good substitute for strife?

In some situations, the words variance and strife are roughly equivalent. However, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

Examples 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 strife For the Syrians, the only way forward that will lead to peace is a government void of sectarian strife. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 But before the marital strife unfolds and the ghosts appear, the film lingers on a Nativity play and sprawling Christmas feast in 1907, comprising some of the most colorful and joyful moments in Bergman’s oeuvre. —

Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2024 While their marriages may lack overt strife, the absence of connection and fulfillment, and the lack of repair attempts leaves them vulnerable to eventual separation. 4. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 All these eras dealt with either wars (Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf war), economic turmoil (inflation, gas shortages, recessions), political strife (Watergate, impeachments, deficits) and/or social upheaval (anti-war protests, drug issues, pandemics). —

Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for strife

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strife

Noun

However, Barnier's austerity plan—which includes €40 billion ($42 billion) in spending cuts and €20 billion ($21 billion) in new taxes—has heightened tensions, fueling discord in the National Assembly and precipitating the current political crisis.

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
This internal discord is music to Kitson’s ears, whose goal is to have Irish Republicans murder each other.

Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024