discord 1 of 2

noun

ˈdi-ˌskȯrd How to pronounce discord (audio)
Definition of discordnext
as in strife
a lack of agreement or harmony the discord between two of the members threatened to tear our team of researchers apart

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

discord

2 of 2

verb

ˈdi-ˌskȯrd How to pronounce discord (audio)
as in to conflict
to be out of harmony or agreement usually noticeably the evangelist's lavish lifestyle discords with his professed religious beliefs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun discord contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of discord are conflict, contention, dissension, strife, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When can conflict be used instead of discord?

The words conflict and discord can be used in similar contexts, but conflict usually stresses the action of forces in opposition but in static applications implies an irreconcilability as of duties or desires.

the conflict of freedom and responsibility

When is it sensible to use contention instead of discord?

The meanings of contention and discord largely overlap; however, contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When would dissension be a good substitute for discord?

In some situations, the words dissension and discord are roughly equivalent. However, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When could strife be used to replace discord?

While the synonyms strife and discord are close in meaning, strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incongruity or incompatibility of the persons or things involved.

during his brief reign the empire was never free of civil strife

When is variance a more appropriate choice than discord?

Although the words variance and discord have much in common, variance implies a clash between persons or things owing to a difference in nature, opinion, or interest.

cultural variances that work against a national identity

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 discord
Noun
Success, progress and wins tend to naturally quiet the discord. —Joe Altieri, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 However, Parker does welcome the discord to some degree. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 17 June 2025 Padilla's removal from Noem's news conference, another instance of discord between state officials and the federal government, has sparked strong backlash from critics of the Trump administration. —Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 The split verdict and mistrial on the third count came after some discord in the jury room during deliberations. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for discord
Recent Examples of Synonyms for discord
  1. strife
  2. conflict
  3. friction
  4. clash
  5. discordance
  6. schism
  7. war
  8. dissent
Noun
  • The song has also regained popularity during times of national strife or tragedy, including during the Gulf War and in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
  • The astronauts, when first leaving earth, looked back on their home planet from outer space and saw, in the darkness, a beautiful and vulnerable globe, so small and blue and fragile, undivided by borders or political strife.
    — Laurie Sheck July 2, Literary Hub, 2 July 2025
Definition of strife
Verb
  • The residue leaves a film that attracts grime, can conflict with other cleaning products to form dangerous fumes and find its way into your food.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Even with all of that, I was conflicted about this choice.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • The common thread is technology that removes friction, creates visibility and adapts to changing needs.
    — Alaa Pasha, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • For sure, this can prove too sanguine and perhaps there will be unanticipated economic friction ahead.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Definition of friction
Verb
  • Sheinbaum and Trump have also clashed in the past over the import taxes.
    — Steff Danielle Thomas, The Hill, 12 July 2025
  • Bertha and George clash over what's best for Gladys.
    — Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Definition of clash
Noun
  • Many of the tunes including sprawling intros and jam sessions, all melded together with discordance, reverb and instrumental solos.
    — Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • Luckily, director Kate Dumoulin helps smooth over much of the discordance.
    — Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
Definition of discordance
Noun
  • Enter: a major schism in the relationship, just at the moment that both mother and daughter should be cherishing every moment together.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
  • The decision to visit all three leading Arab Gulf powers and not just Saudi Arabia seems designed to prevent a schism.
    — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 12 May 2025
Definition of schism
Noun
  • The bomb hasn’t been used since, apart from test blasts, and after the Cold War ended in 1991, the risk of nuclear war mercifully declined.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Throughout history, technological advantages have altered the course of wars, sometimes suddenly.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Definition of war
Noun
  • The three liberal justices opposed the order, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing in dissent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • With the three liberal justices in dissent, the court on Monday paused an order from U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, who issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs and calling into question the broader plan.
    — Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Definition of dissent

Browse Nearby Words

discontinuously
discord
discordance
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Cite this Entry

“Discord.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discord. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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