dissenter

noun

dis·​sent·​er di-ˈsen-tər How to pronounce dissenter (audio)
Synonyms of dissenternext
1
: one that dissents
2
Dissenter : an English Nonconformist

Examples of dissenter in a Sentence

a society that prized conformity very highly and treated dissenters of any kind very harshly
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Trump blasted Cassidy as voters went to polls Trump called out Cassidy again as Pelican State voters were flocking to the polls, further underscoring his commitment to dislodging GOP dissenters. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 May 2026 At the far end of the hall, a young man in his mid-20s named Simon Bonenfant was posing like one of the dissenters, Elbridge Gerry. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026 The dissenters largely expressed the view that the next move could be higher or lower, depending on how conditions unfold. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 8 May 2026 Her arrest came amid the ongoing war in Iran, and as the Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified its crackdown on domestic dissenters. Irwin Cotler, Time, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dissenter

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissenter was in 1639

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dissenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissenter. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

dissenter

noun
dis·​sent·​er dis-ˈent-ər How to pronounce dissenter (audio)
1
: one that dissents
2
capitalized : an English Protestant who is not in agreement with the rules or beliefs of the Church of England

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