fomenting dissent

USAGE SUMMARY

'fomenting dissent' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to inciting or spreading disagreement or opposition. For example, "The politician's divisive rhetoric was accused of fomenting dissent among the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

With the overthrow of Saddam, Moqtada began stridently fomenting dissent against the American occupation.

The New Yorker

Fomenting dissent through diabolical means for almost 25 years, Slayer have assumed a pre-eminent role in the metal scene.

The Guardian - Music

In 2011, when he was prime minister of Russia and facing massive street protests, Putin accused the then secretary of state of fomenting dissent.

The Guardian

Russian officials have long accused counterparts in the Obama administration of meddling abroad, for instance in 2011, when Putin claimed that Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, was fomenting dissent against him within Russia.

The Guardian

Ronald A. Clifford, 73, who patrols the property in a golf cart as a part-time security guard, blamed "roughnecks" for fomenting dissent at town-hall-style meetings because "they hate having a black president".

The New York Times - Health

In 1967, a military junta seized control of the country, and one of the first people arrested was her father, Constantine Mitsotakis, a prominent politician capable of fomenting dissent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Despite the tragicomic history of United States attempts to foment dissent in Cuba or overthrow Mr. Castro, he has called for the federal government to support a "Cuban spring" uprising against the regime.

The New York Times

Officials also said the meeting she planned to attend was intended to foment dissent before the planned reopening next month of universities and other institutions that were closed in December 1996 because of student unrest.

The New York Times

Mr. Kim, the son of a provincial official in the ruling Workers Partyy, was recruited into North Korea's spy-training school in 1981, and later assigned to an intelligence office that was to infiltrate South Korea to recruit spies, to foment dissent and to "build up the potential for revolution in the South".

The New York Times

Amnesty has been denied a licence to bring in money from overseas under India's stringent Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, established in the 1970s when leaders feared the US Central Intelligence Agency and other groups might try to fund civil society groups to foment dissent in the country.

The Guardian

What appears to have annoyed him most was regular leaks of the big strategic moves planned by the group - such as its sale of farms and likely disposal of pharmacies - which he saw as an attempt to foment dissent.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fomenting dissent" when you want to emphasize the active role someone or something plays in creating or increasing disagreement, unrest, or opposition.

Common error

The phrase "fomenting dissent" is quite strong. Use it when the action is clearly intended to create conflict. A less charged phrasing might be more suitable if there is no manipulative intent behind the spread of the disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fomenting dissent" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, acting as a direct object of a verb. The verb "fomenting" is a gerund, derived from the verb "foment," and it describes the act of instigating or promoting disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig clearly show its usage in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fomenting dissent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of actively instigating or encouraging disagreement and opposition. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is acceptable and useful in various contexts, especially in news, media, and academic writing. The phrase carries a connotation of deliberate incitement, so consider whether it accurately reflects the intention before using it. Related phrases include "inciting unrest" and "stirring up opposition", each with slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inciting unrest

Focuses more on the act of provoking disturbance or turmoil.

stirring up opposition

Emphasizes the creation of resistance or disagreement.

provoking discord

Highlights the act of causing disagreement and disharmony.

instigating rebellion

Suggests a more active and forceful encouragement of revolt.

fuelling opposition

Implies providing support or resources to an existing opposition.

agitating for revolt

Highlights persistent efforts to promote rebellion.

promoting disagreement

A more neutral expression of encouraging differing opinions.

sowing seeds of discord

Suggests a gradual and subtle introduction of disagreement.

whipping up animosity

Emphasizes the creation of intense dislike or hostility.

sparking controversy

Focuses on initiating public debate and disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "fomenting dissent" in a sentence?

"Fomenting dissent" is used to describe actions that incite or promote disagreement. For instance, "The government accused the activist group of fomenting dissent among the workers."

What are some synonyms for "fomenting dissent"?

Alternatives to "fomenting dissent" include "inciting unrest", "stirring up opposition", or "provoking discord" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "fomenting dissent" and "suppressing dissent"?

"Fomenting dissent" refers to encouraging or instigating disagreement, while "suppressing dissent" means preventing or stifling disagreement. They are opposite actions. The first creates dissent while the second eliminates it.

Is "fomenting dissent" a negative expression?

Yes, "fomenting dissent" typically carries a negative connotation, as it suggests deliberately stirring up trouble or opposition. However, it can be used neutrally depending on the context and perspective, such as when describing resistance against an oppressive regime.