SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS

faction

noun

A smaller group within a larger one that pursues its own aims or position.

Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.

Group within a larger body

Closest synonyms

Related words and expressions

These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.

Usage distinction

Faction often implies disagreement with other members; clique emphasizes an exclusive social circle.

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Test this word in the Comprehensive Synonym Exam

CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT

See faction in use

A faction within the association favored a different plan for the building.
Dictionary practice example.
I thought there were unequivocal, definitive, and explicit assurances that the managerial factions would coalesce.
Adapted from the original study notes.
1 more example
The student societies coordinator offered to mediate the ticket dispute by helping both sides explain their priorities and compare possible arrangements. One faction wanted a low price that welcomed more students, while another favored a higher price to support later screenings.
From A Decision for the Whole Club.

Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.

Synonym reference scope and sources

The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.

How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license

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