DISCONTENT Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

discontent 1 of 3

adjective

ˌdis-kən-ˈtent

Definition of discontent

as in dissatisfied

having a feeling that one has been wronged or thwarted in one's ambitions a novel about a woman who is desperately discontent with the stifling limitations of her small-town life

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discontent

2 of 3

noun

as in dissatisfaction

the condition of being dissatisfied with one's life or situation the rebels worked to stir up discontent among the citizens

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discontent

3 of 3

verb

as in to displease

to make discontented the ongoing lack of decent food discontented and demoralized the soldiers in the rebel army

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of discontent

Adjective

Brown, who will miss Week 8 with a hamstring injury, still seems somewhat discontent over his usage. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 Yet there has been discontent among the fanbase at the steady trickle of youthful talent exiting the club this summer. — Andy Jones, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024

Noun

As internal discontent mounts, Chinese leaders will look to deflect it, framing the root cause as America’s civilizational rejection of China’s rise. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 Lee is trying to capitalize on the discontent some voters feel about the Republican nominee. — Saige Miller, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

The struggle to confront the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies and a subsequent rise in health care premiums has added to discontent on Capitol Hill, along with growing concern over Democrats winning the argument on affordability. — The Hill Staff, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2025 Recent measures reportedly taken by the district have added to discontent among union members. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for discontent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for discontent

Adjective

Lee ran the actors through multiple takes, but still felt dissatisfied.

— E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
That included voluntarily supplying law enforcement with lists of disgruntled current and former employees, and of the names of dissatisfied customers.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissatisfied

Noun

The financial squeeze has collided with an increasingly fragmented political system, creating opportunities for parties at both ends of the political spectrum to capitalize on public dissatisfaction.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Gen Z is already acting on dissatisfaction, which means the window to build defensible AI practices is closing while adoption curves are still climbing.

— Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissatisfaction

Verb

Some preservationists were displeased with the demolition, especially because Charlotte hasn’t necessarily been kind to its historic buildings.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
The sickly scent of alcohol filled the air and, when mixed with accompanying cigar smoke, combined for an odor most might find displeasing.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of displease

Verb

And now Snider found himself here, under a bright, blue sky, annoyed as a fireman examined the staples on the side of his head.

— Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
What annoys me is that this whole thing is called Roaring 20th, so why was there not a flapper and Great Gatsby theme?

— Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoy

Cite this Entry

Style

“Discontent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/discontent. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of discontent

adjective

noun

verb

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