List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 120

SYNONYMS: discord, strife, contention, dissension, conflict, clash, variance.
These nouns are compared as they mean a state of disagreement and disharmony.

Discord is a lack of harmony often marked by bickering and antipathy: family discord.
Strife usually implies a struggle, often destructive, between rivals or factions: It was intended to end party strife.
Contention in this sense is largely limited to dispute in the form of heated debate or quarreling: Political discussions often give rise to lively contention.
Dissension implies difference of opinion that disrupts unity within a group: Dissension is rampant among the members of the committee.
Conflict suggests antagonism of ideas or interests that often results in hostility or divisiveness: conflict between smoking and nonsmoking factions.
Clash implies sharp conflict involving irreconcilable ideas or interests: had to exercise all her tact to prevent clashes between the two opinionated guests.
Variance usually suggests discrepancy or incompatibility: His actions are often at variance with his principles.