Meaning & use
dissent
Disagreement with an official or widely held opinion, especially when expressed openly.
See it in a sentence
Several senators voiced their dissent before the controversial bill was passed.
The proposal faced quiet dissent from employees who feared losing their jobs.
A note on using this word
In law, a 'dissenting opinion' is a judge's formal written disagreement with a court's majority decision.
Words with a similar meaning
disagreementopposition
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. verb
To hold or express an opinion that differs from what is officially or generally accepted.
Two judges dissented from the majority ruling, arguing that it misread the law.
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