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Definition of "dissent" []

  • To differ in opinion or feeling; disagree. (verb-intransitive)
  • To withhold assent or approval. (verb-intransitive)
  • Difference of opinion or feeling; disagreement. (noun)
  • The refusal to conform to the authority or doctrine of an established church; nonconformity. (noun)
  • Law A justice's refusal to concur with the opinion of a majority, as on a higher court. Also called dissenting opinion. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "dissent" in a sentence
  • "Those who used to love to say that dissent is the highest form of patriotism have been assiduously working to assure that dissent from the agenda they have been weaving will be considered the lowest form of stupidity."
  • "They dissent from the Bishops Conferences, not the Universal Church, and their dissent is not on “faith and morals,” but on social policy, about which Bishops know no more than the next fellow."
  • "Maybe the small voice of my dissent is about being true not only to my readers, but also to myself."