dissenting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dissenting' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a disagreement with a majority opinion, or being in opposition to a belief or opinion. For example, "The bishops presented a dissenting view on the morality of the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Views like these get airtime at the expense of dissenting positions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and everyone else as well.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most people have to trim their views at one time or another, though I have watched journalists smuggling dissenting opinions into even the Murdoch press with admiration for years.

The Guardian

Once this narrowly framed conversation becomes dominant, dissenting voices will appear marginal and irrelevant.

The Guardian

In the UK the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has been dogged in exposing the scandal (not easy given the Uzbek approach to "dissenting" journalists), collecting evidence bravely provided by those out in the field.

The Guardian

Climate change scientists have reacted angrily to charges that an academic paper was rejected by a peer-reviewed journal because of intolerance of dissenting views.

The Guardian

In the pre-match commemoration of Arsène Wenger's 1,000th game in charge of Arsenal, the only real dissenting voice came from José Mourinho.

The Guardian - Sport

But, the power differential and the ring-fencing of any dissenting voice makes constructive criticism impossible.

The Guardian

Mr Ocalan also stands accused of killing dissenting colleagues within his own exiled party; for that, Germany has a warrant for his arrest.

The Economist

But so much is written lauding Toyota's production systems that it is refreshing to hear a dissenting voice.

The Economist

Security forces beat and arrested demonstrators, and at least seven were shot dead.For the first time in a year, dissenting voices will be heard again in parliament.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This dynamic also tends to reduce dissent on issues like carbon taxes....In multiparty systems, smaller parties can take the risk of promoting dissenting ideas, including suggestions that fossil fuels should be taxed at a higher rate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dissenting" to describe opinions or voices that diverge from a majority or dominant viewpoint, particularly in formal or official settings. For instance, a "dissenting" opinion in a court case carries significant weight.

Common error

Avoid using "dissenting" interchangeably with simple disagreement. "Dissenting" often implies a formal or public expression of disagreement, particularly in contexts like legal rulings or official reports. Disagreement, on the other hand, is a much broader term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dissenting" is as a present participle or adjective, often modifying nouns like "opinion", "voice", or "view". It indicates an active disagreement or opposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "dissenting" qualifies a noun expressing disagreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dissenting" functions primarily as a participle or adjective, signifying disagreement or opposition to a prevailing viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, and the examples demonstrate, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in news, formal, and business contexts to denote voices or opinions that diverge from the majority. While alternatives like "disagreeing" or "opposing" exist, "dissenting" often carries a connotation of formal or official disagreement, such as a judge's "dissenting" opinion. To ensure clarity, differentiate it from broader terms and embrace its precise meaning when conveying specific opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagreeing

Focuses on the act of not agreeing, without necessarily implying active opposition.

objecting

Implies a more direct and explicit expression of opposition.

opposing

Suggests active resistance or competition against a particular idea or action.

protesting

Involves a public demonstration of disagreement or disapproval.

challenging

Indicates questioning or disputing the validity or correctness of something.

contesting

Suggests a formal or legal challenge to a decision or claim.

at odds

Emphasizes a state of disagreement or conflict.

in opposition

Highlights a position of being against something.

taking issue

Refers to specifically disagreeing with a particular point or aspect.

nonconforming

Indicates a refusal to adhere to accepted standards or norms.

FAQs

How to use "dissenting" in a sentence?

"Dissenting" is often used to describe opinions or voices that disagree with a majority or official position. For example, "The judge issued a "dissenting opinion"" or "There were "dissenting voices" within the committee".

What can I say instead of "dissenting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disagreeing", "objecting", or "opposing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "dissenting opinion" or "disagreeing opinion"?

"Dissenting opinion" is the more accurate and commonly used term, especially in legal contexts. While "disagreeing opinion" is understandable, it lacks the formal and specific meaning of "dissenting opinion".

What's the difference between "dissenting" and "nonconforming"?

"Dissenting" specifically implies disagreeing with a prevailing opinion or decision. "Nonconforming" is a broader term that means not adhering to accepted standards or norms, which may or may not involve active disagreement.