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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dispute
Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 July 2025
The 15th Court of Appeals, which has exclusive jurisdiction over appellate disputes that deal with state actions and legislative constitutionality, handed down the decision last week.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
Troy Onyango, Time, 24 July 2025
The origin of 'OK' remained a mystery for much of its existence - and even today, some still dispute the most accepted explanation.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Noun
During the third annual Vandy Camp event in Malibu, Calif., last month, his wife Arlene Silver shared behind-the-scenes stories and recounted a dispute with legendary costume designer Colleen Atwood, 76, over the shoes her husband wore during his iconic dance.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 July 2025
The 15th Court of Appeals, which has exclusive jurisdiction over appellate disputes that deal with state actions and legislative constitutionality, handed down the decision last week.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
Verb
Odinga and his party disputed the results and widespread violence followed.
—Troy Onyango, Time, 24 July 2025
The origin of 'OK' remained a mystery for much of its existence - and even today, some still dispute the most accepted explanation.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispute
Noun
-
The controversy exploded when Randi (@Randipandy_) posted a now-viral video from her car, blasting parents who refuse to buy even basic items for the classroom.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
31 July 2025
-
The Trump administration has been caught up in controversy over the case for weeks as his supporters seek more transparency about Epstein's criminal case files.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will also station retrograde in your communication sector (for the win), triggering misunderstandings and unnecessary quarrels with siblings or neighbors.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
8 July 2025
-
According to writer and historian Geoffrey C. Ward, Johnson had his quarrels inside and outside the ring.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The song captures Rumi’s internal struggle and her growing uncertainty about the road ahead, marking a shift in her journey from confident leader to someone questioning the cost of it all.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Meanwhile, some comments under the original video questioned if the Pentagon had asked Metallica for permission to use the song, with many questioning whether the band would have agreed to do so.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
For months, top state officials have been bickering about how best to deport people and positioning for Trump’s approval in the upcoming 2026 midterm races for governor, attorney general and other key positions.—
Katelyn Ferral,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
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In the days leading up to the decision, bickering among jury members appeared to delay the verdict.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
11 June 2025
Verb
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In fact, as the country debates effective severe weather warning protocols in the aftermath of deadly flash flooding in Texas, the siren community has been vocal about their usefulness.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
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Each body will debate their respective positions, before the three enter into a trilogue to come to a final proposal.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
24 July 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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Seven decades later, this culture of disputation emerged as a central theme in Timothy Garton Ash’s The Magic Lantern, his eyewitness report on the Eastern European revolutions of 1989.—
Susie Linfield,
The New York Review of Books,
11 May 2022
Noun
-
During the altercation, a man pulled a gun and shot Ramirez.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
23 July 2025
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See Jackie Christie and Chantel’s unfortunate altercation above.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
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There are numerous other active lawsuits challenging Trump’s tariffs, but the V.O.S. case is the furthest one along and its outcome could dictate how other cases fare.—
Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
31 July 2025
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Maintaining a strong sense of connection to the company culture and fostering collaboration can be challenging when working remotely or on the move.—
CJ Eason,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dispute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispute. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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