disputes

Noun

dispute (plural disputes)

1. An argument or disagreement; a failure to agree.
   • But is not this dispute over the question whether we have free will or not very like a dispute that we might engage in over the color of a tree — whether it be green or blue?1919, Ellwood Hendrick, Percolator Papers, page 67

   Synonyms:

   debate, quarrel

   1. A disagreement between parties in a contract, lawsuit, treaty, or other legal matter.
      • Canadian experience throws light on the relative merits of a separate board for each dispute as compared with a permanent board to hear all disputes.1927, Ben Morris Selekman, “Synopsis”, in Postponing Strikes: A Study of the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act of Canada, page 28
2. (uncountable) Verbal controversy or disagreement; altercation; debate.
   • Addicted more / To contemplation and profound dispute.1671, John Milton, “The First Book”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC, page 4

See all 8 meanings of dispute