DISSENSUS Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

dissensus

noun

(ˌ)di(s)-ˈsen(t)-səs

Definition of dissensus

as in debate

variance of opinion on a matter a democracy relies on dissensus as much as on consensus

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Example 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 dissensus These dramas of politics — each involving the high court’s first black justice — arrive at a singularly contentious political moment in an atmosphere of angry, sometimes violent dissensus. — Manohla Dargis and A.o. Scott, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dissensus

Noun

Essential California asked the bishop about his letter and the church’s role in the immigration debate while checking in with a couple of Catholic scholars who offered their perspectives.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
This seems like a perfectly reasonable debate/dialogue/deliberation to have without everybody--well, most bodies--running for the exits.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

Noun

This contestation takes place through philosophical debates, religious disputations, and public discussions, whether direct or indirect, open or clandestine.

— Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
This did not, however, mark the end of disputation concerning the Northwest Angle.

— Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026

Definition of disputation

Noun

But the movement has widened to include workers demanding relief from rising living costs, making the government’s task broader than resolving a dispute over university admissions.

— Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Debt, the deficit and high interest rates limit the government’s ability to increase spending and foreshadow disputes over how to fund campaign promises without jeopardizing social programs.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of dispute

Noun

The incumbent senator accused his critics of lying about the controversy before acknowledging that his office sent patients with unpaid bills to collections.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
His season, which aired from September to November of that year, was plagued with controversy when Owens made headlines for comments about his dating age requirements before the show filmed.

— Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of controversy

Noun

South Korean officials have said North Korea's recent border activities have highlighted the Koreas' disagreement over exactly where the military demarcation line lies.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Both blame each other for the fiery fights, with Lago saying that disagreements between commissioners used to be more civil before Castro and Commissioner Ariel Fernandez were elected in 2023.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of disagreement

Browse Nearby Words

dissensions

dissensus

dissensuses

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Style

“Dissensus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dissensus. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dissensus

noun

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