dissenting voices

Meanings

1. 1phraseplural

   People or opinions that publicly disagree with the majority view or with an official position.

   Grammar: Always plural; takes a plural verb: 'Dissenting voices are growing.'

   Patterns

   • dissenting voices within something
   • dissenting voices against something
   • a chorus of dissenting voices

   Dissenting voices within the party warned that the plan would fail.

   Despite the official optimism, dissenting voices were heard at the meeting.

   The report ignored the dissenting voices from local communities.

2. 2phraseplural

   A minority opinion or set of objections expressed in a discussion or debate.

   Grammar: Used to talk about the objections themselves, not the people making them.

   Patterns

   • raise dissenting voices
   • silence dissenting voices

   There were a few dissenting voices, but the proposal passed easily.

   The chair tried to silence dissenting voices during the debate.

Common combinations

a chorus of dissenting voices

A chorus of dissenting voices greeted the new policy.

dissenting voices within the party

Dissenting voices within the party have become louder.

raise dissenting voices

Several members raised dissenting voices against the decision.

ignore dissenting voices

The board chose to ignore the dissenting voices.

Synonyms and how they differ

opposition

Opposition is broader and can refer to a whole group or political party, not just people who disagree.

critics

Critics often judge or review something; dissenting voices simply disagree with a majority view.

Opposites

Word family

dissent noun

The act of disagreeing with an official or majority opinion.

dissent verb

To express disagreement with a majority or authority.

dissenter noun

A person who dissents.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “dissenting voices”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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