dissidents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dissidents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who oppose or disagree with an established authority, particularly in a political context. Example: "The government has cracked down on dissidents who challenge its policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition, the response of the majority of the Irish public, whose attitude veers from a warm welcome to benign indifference, also underlines how isolated the republican dissidents are in modern Ireland.

The Guardian

If the security problems posed by the royal visit were, and still are, a major challenge to the Irish state's authority, the presence of the Queen is also a big test of the republican dissidents' resolve.

The Guardian

On the fringes of the festive crowd gathered in Guildhall Square were a handful of republican dissidents who oppose Sinn Féin's peace strategy, some wholly through politics and others through the continuation of "armed struggle".

The Guardian

Is a percentage going to go over to the dissidents?" the UDA source asked.

The Guardian

Rights groups say the government that replaced him has been anything but democratic – with more than a thousand dissidents killed, thousands more arrested, and the right to free assembly and free speech severely curbed.

The Guardian

The vote of confidence their respective electorates gave them is also a clear rebuff to the republican dissidents seeking to destabilise Northern Ireland through their renewed violent campaigns.

The Guardian

"As a result, it would be dangerous, liberal, uncensored, and it would be a great place for freedom fighters, democratic dissidents and whistleblowers to go, as well as criminals, child pornographers and terrorists.

The Guardian - Music

He had ordered her to drive the bus with an explosive device on board to Strand Road police station – the target of repeat bomb attacks by republican dissidents.

The Guardian

It is free of climate change concerns, "boat people", political dissidents and unassimilated Indigenous Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bombing was accompanied by a confusing series of signals in Belfast, with a number of media outlets contacted by apparent IRA dissidents claiming that its ruling army council no longer had the confidence of key areas and units.

The Guardian

Running With Mother tells the story of 14-year-old Rudo whose schoolgirl life is irrevocably altered by the arrival of forces to her community to exterminate villagers who are said to be Ndebele dissidents – in effect, anyone and everyone who is Ndebele.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be aware of the potential connotations of "dissidents". It can be a neutral term, but it can also carry positive or negative connotations depending on the context and the reader's perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "dissidents" as a blanket term for anyone who disagrees. The term typically implies a more significant or organized opposition to established power.

Linguistic Context

"Dissidents" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a group or individuals who oppose official policy. Ludwig's examples show it often describes political or ideological opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dissidents" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun to describe individuals or groups opposing established authority. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing its prevalence in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "dissenters" or "rebels" exist, "dissidents" maintains a neutral tone suitable for serious discussions. When using the term, consider the specific nature of their opposition for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissenters

Focuses on those who disagree or refuse to conform to established doctrines or policies. This is a direct synonym.

opposition

A broad term referring to any person or group that opposes the ruling power.

rebels

Suggests a more active and potentially forceful opposition to authority.

protesters

Emphasizes public demonstration of disagreement or opposition.

objectors

Highlights those who raise objections, often on moral or ethical grounds.

challengers

Indicates a direct confrontation or questioning of authority.

nonconformists

Stresses a general unwillingness to conform to societal norms or expectations.

malcontents

Refers to those who are generally dissatisfied and prone to complaining or resisting.

insurgents

Suggests a more organized and potentially violent form of rebellion.

subversives

Implies an attempt to undermine or overthrow the established system.

FAQs

What does "dissidents" mean?

The term "dissidents" refers to people who actively challenge or oppose established authority, particularly in a political or social context.

How do I use "dissidents" in a sentence?

You can use "dissidents" to describe groups or individuals who publicly disagree with and challenge the ruling power, as in "The government cracked down on political dissidents."

What's the difference between "dissidents" and "protesters"?

"Dissidents" often implies a more fundamental and sustained opposition to a system, while "protesters" may be focused on specific issues or policies.

What can I say instead of "dissidents"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dissenters", "rebels", or "objectors".