The synonyms dissension and conflict are sometimes interchangeable, but dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions. Several points of contention about the new zoning law When might discord be a better fit than conflict?Īlthough the words discord and conflict have much in common, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.Ī political party long racked by discord When can dissension be used instead of conflict? Specifically, contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy. The words contention and conflict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance.
The conflict of freedom and responsibility In what contexts can contention take the place of conflict? While all these words mean 'a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony,' conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires. Some common synonyms of conflict are contention, discord, dissension, strife, and variance. Frequently Asked Questions About conflict How does the noun conflict contrast with its synonyms?
