dissent

To disagree with an opinion or decision, especially one supported by most people.

• Only one member dissented.
• She dissented from the committee’s final decision.
• Several judges dissented when the court upheld the new law.

How to use it: dissent from something (Two judges dissented from the decision.)

Similar words: disagree, differ

Opposites: agree, concur

Common phrases: dissent from something, strongly dissent, dissent openly

To act in a way that shows you do not agree with a decision or belief.

• Several members dissented openly.
• She dissented from the ruling by refusing to sign it.
• Citizens marched to dissent from the new policy.

How to use it: dissent from something (Two members dissented from the decision.)

Similar words: protest, object

Opposites: agree

Common phrases: dissent from something, dissent openly

An opinion that differs from what other people think, especially about an official decision.

• No one expressed dissent.
• The judge explained her dissent in writing.
• There was some dissent within the committee.

Similar words: disagreement

Opposites: agreement

Common phrases: express dissent, a dissent

Public opposition to the beliefs or actions of a government, political party, or religion.

• The government banned public dissent.
• Students showed their dissent by marching through the city.
• Religious dissent spread despite threats from church leaders.

Similar words: opposition, protest

Common phrases: political dissent, suppress dissent