strife

noun

ˈstrīf How to pronounce strife (audio)
Definition of strifenext
1
as in discord
a lack of agreement or harmony in order to avoid family strife, the children spend equal time during the holidays with both of their grandmothers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another bitter strife between the two political factions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun strife contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strife are conflict, contention, discord, dissension, and variance. While all these words mean "a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony," 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 it sensible to use conflict instead of strife?

While the synonyms conflict and strife are close in meaning, 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

In what contexts can contention take the place of strife?

The words contention and strife can be used in similar contexts, but contention applies to strife or competition that shows itself in quarreling, disputing, or controversy.

several points of contention about the new zoning law

When could discord be used to replace strife?

While in some cases nearly identical to strife, discord implies an intrinsic or essential lack of harmony producing quarreling, factiousness, or antagonism.

a political party long racked by discord

When might dissension be a better fit than strife?

The words dissension and strife are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dissension implies strife or discord and stresses a division into factions.

religious dissension threatened to split the colony

When would variance be a good substitute for strife?

In some situations, the words variance and strife are roughly equivalent. However, 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 strife Studio 1 was also responsible for paying winnings to contestants, but Deadline understands that participants have not received their cash prizes amid the financial strife. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2025 With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 31 Jan. 2025 With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2025 The chafing and strife of this connection have made all the difference to the Bronx. —CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strife
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strife
  1. discord
  2. rivalry
  3. friction
  4. struggle
  5. conflict
  6. battle
  7. war
  8. warfare
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, the most dramatic signs of discord can be found on social media.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Commerce, which ought naturally to be, among nations, as among individuals, a bond of union and friendship, has become the most fertile source of discord and animosity’.
    — Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of discord
Noun
  • Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are off the injury report for this game, giving themselves the green light for this rivalry game.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Even today, gangsta and drill rappers make headlines right here in Chicago when their music explodes into rivalries and retaliatory murders.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of rivalry
Noun
  • As Saatva explains, static electricity and the friction from tossing and turning during sleep can leave hair standing on end by morning.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The friction from not-always-smooth car headrests can do damage to our crowns much like cotton pillowcases.
    — Dana Oliver, Essence, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of friction
Noun
  • What To Know The pope has faced ongoing health struggles which have sparked speculation about decisions by the Catholic Church on the upcoming Easter celebrations.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Kansas has to do a good job communicating on ball screens — a struggle at various points this season — and force Texas Tech to take tough shots.
    — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • The meeting touched on the need to strengthen Ukraine and European defense, after Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clashed at the White House on Feb. 28 over differing views on how to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
    — Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The mineral rights agreement is a fantastic solution to bring about an end to this conflict.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • As a digital balloting closed earlier Sunday, Carney received the overwhelming majority of the 150,000 members of the Liberal Party than any other contender in the short leadership battle.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Whoever challenges for the Democrat nomination will have half an eye on the national battle, where the economy, security and national pride are likely to outweigh liberal issues.
    — William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Still, one of the main areas of interest is how the president uses the global stage to address the wars abroad, specifically between Russia and Ukraine.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The escalating trade war is likely to result in consumers paying higher prices for a wide range of products, including fruits and vegetables, flat-screen TVs and auto parts.
    — Maria Aspan, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of war
Noun
  • Considered an unsung hero of modern warfare, Selanee saved the lives of two U.S. journalists and shielded hundreds of Afghans stranded at Kandahar Air Base.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The narrative in Zero Day blurs the line between victim and perpetrator, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable reality that in an age of information warfare, the fabric of society can be weaponized and the pursuit of truth becomes a morally ambiguous challenge.
    — Ally Neagen, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of warfare

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Cite this Entry

“Strife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strife. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on strife

Nglish: Translation of strife for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about strife

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