Dissident: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who disagrees with and opposes an official policy or authority, often in a political context.

• The government has arrested several dissidents who spoke out against its policies
• The dissident writer was banned from publishing her works in the country

Used to describe someone who resists authority, control, or tradition, typically in a more general or non-political context. It can also describe someone involved in an armed uprising against a government.

• As a teenager, she was considered a rebel for her unconventional choices
• The rebels planned an attack on the government's forces

Used in a broad range of contexts to describe someone who is against an idea, policy, or person, including in sports, debates, politics, and more.

• During the debate, her opponent presented strong arguments
• In the tennis match, her opponent was very skillful

Refers to someone who takes part in a public demonstration to express strong disapproval of something, often involving social or political issues.

• Protestors gathered in the city square to demand justice
• The police confronted the protestors with tear gas

This word is often used to describe someone who actively opposes official policy, especially in a political context. It can have a serious and sometimes negative connotation.

• The government arrested the dissident for criticizing its policies.
• Many dissidents were forced to leave their country to escape persecution.

Contrary is typically used to describe someone or something that goes against or is opposite to something else. It can be applied to both people and ideas, often in less formal contexts.

• Her views are contrary to the majority.
• He has a contrary opinion on every topic discussed.

Opposing is generally used to describe someone or something that actively resists or competes against another. It can be used in various contexts, such as sports, debates, or conflicts.

• The opposing team scored the winning goal in the last minute.
• They held a meeting to discuss the issues with the opposing party.

A nonconformist is someone who does not follow established customs or norms, often in a cultural or social context. This word can have a positive or neutral connotation.

• She is known as a nonconformist in the fashion industry.
• His nonconformist attitude made him stand out in a traditional company.