Dispute — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /di-ˈspyüt/ dis·pute

Meaning & Definition of Dispute

Dispute (verb)

  1. to engage in argument, debate; especially, to argue irritably or with irritating persistence
  2. to make the subject of verbal controversy or disputation
  3. to call into question or cast doubt upon

Dispute (noun)

  1. verbal controversy, debate
  2. quarrel
  3. physical combat

Dispute (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. variance of opinion on a matter

    "a dispute over the proper pronunciation of nuclear"

    similar: contestation, controversy, debate, difference, difficulty, disagreement, disputation, dissension, dissensus, firestorm, nonconcurrence
    related: clash, collision, conflict, confliction, disaccord, discord, dissonance, apartness, divarication, division, combat, contention, strife, struggle, altercation, argument, bicker, falling-out, fight, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, set-to
    opposite: accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity
    near: acceptance, compliance, concord, peace

  2. 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"

    similar: altercation, argle-bargle (chiefly British), argument, argy-bargy (chiefly British), battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire, disagreement, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle
    related: clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle, logomachy, feud, vendetta, attack, contention, dissension, debate, difference, disputation, fuss, objection, protest, protestation, affray (chiefly British), fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee, catfight

Dispute (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to demand proof of the truth or rightness of

    "a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir"

    similar: challenge, contest, impeach, oppugn, query, question, call in question
    related: doubt, mistrust, kick (about), object (to), protest, combat, fight, oppose, resist
    opposite: accept, believe, embrace, swallow
    near: back, defend, support, advocate, champion, promote, abide, endure, stomach, tolerate

  2. to express different opinions about something often angrily

    "hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team"

    similar: altercate, argue, argufy, bicker, brabble, brawl, controvert, fall out, fight, hassle, jar, quarrel, quibble, row, scrap, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle, bandy words, butt heads, lock horns, mix it up
    related: challenge, dare, defy, clash, contend, contest, tangle, cavil, fuss, nitpick, consider, debate, discuss, kick, object, protest
    near: coexist, get along, accept, agree, assent, concur, consent

  3. 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"

    similar: agitate, argue, bandy, bat (around or back and forth), canvass, debate, discuss, hash (over or out), moot, talk over
    related: review, speak (about), talk (about), broach, introduce, propound, raise, stir up, forge, hammer out, talk out, thrash (out), wrestle (with), chew over, consider, deliberate, weigh

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dispute

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dispute:

Chiefly British: argle-bargle, argy-bargy
contestation, controversy, debate, difference, difficulty, disagreement, disputation, dissension, dissensus, firestorm, nonconcurrence, altercation, argument, battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, cross fire, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle, challenge, contest, impeach, oppugn, query, question

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Dispute

Words with the opposite meaning of Dispute:

accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity, accept, believe, embrace, swallow

Related Words for Dispute

clash, collision, conflict, confliction, disaccord, discord, dissonance, apartness, divarication, division, combat, contention, strife, struggle, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle, logomachy, feud, vendetta, attack, fuss, objection, protest, protestation, affray, fisticuffs, fracas, fray

Near Antonyms of Dispute

acceptance, compliance, concord, peace, back, defend, support, advocate, champion, promote, abide, endure, stomach, tolerate, coexist, get along, agree, assent, concur, consent

Word Forms of Dispute

Inflections: disputed, disputing

Derived words: disputable (adjective), disputably (adverb), disputer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Dispute

Middle English, from Anglo-French desputer, from Latin disputare to discuss, from dis- + putare to think

First known use: 13th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Dispute

Words & Phrases Containing Dispute

beyond dispute, in dispute, open to dispute, territorial dispute

Frequently Asked Questions about Dispute

What does "Dispute" mean?

"Dispute" means to engage in argument, debate; especially, to argue irritably or with irritating persistence. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to engage in argument, debate; especially, to argue irritably or with irritating persistence. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Dispute"?

Other words for "Dispute" include contestation, controversy, debate, difference, difficulty, disagreement, disputation and dissension. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dispute" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dispute"?

There are 126 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dispute". Common alternatives include contestation, controversy, debate, difference, difficulty, disagreement, disputation, dissension, dissensus and firestorm.

What is the opposite of "Dispute"?

Antonyms of "Dispute" include accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity, accept, believe and embrace. Near antonyms include acceptance, compliance, concord and peace.

How do you use "Dispute" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dispute" in a sentence: "a dispute over the proper pronunciation of nuclear"; "after much dispute, the school committee decided that all backpacks would have to be stored in lockers during class hours"; "a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir".

Is "Dispute" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dispute" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Dispute" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Dispute" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Dispute"?

"Dispute" is pronounced /di-ˈspyüt/ and divided into syllables as dis·pute.