Synonyms

disagree

American

[dis-uh-gree] / ˌdɪs əˈgri /

verb (used without object)

disagreed, disagreeing

to fail to agree; differ.

The conclusions disagree with the facts. The theories disagree in their basic premises.
to differ in opinion; dissent.

Three of the judges disagreed with the verdict.
to quarrel.

They disagreed violently and parted company.
to cause physical discomfort or ill effect (usually followed bywith ).

The oysters disagreed with her. Cold weather disagrees with me.

disagree British

/ ˌdɪsəˈɡriː /

verb

to dissent in opinion (from another person) or dispute (about an idea, fact, etc)
to fail to correspond; conflict
to be unacceptable (to) or unfavourable (for); be incompatible (with)

curry disagrees with me
to be opposed (to) in principle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What is a basic definition of disagree? Disagree means to not agree or to differ. Disagree can also mean to have different opinions or to cause physical discomfort.If two things disagree, they don’t match and most likely clash with each other. For example, the belief that pigs are able to fly disagrees with all scientific knowledge of pigs. The noun form of disagree is disagreement.

Real-life examples: Countries often have plans that disagree with other countries’ plans. Scientists and historians often make discoveries that disagree with earlier information.
Used in a sentence: When you measure a board twice and the measurements disagree, you should measure the board again.

If two people disagree on something, they have different opinions or beliefs. Usually, these different opinions conflict with each other.

Real-life examples: People often angrily disagree with each other on social media. Political parties often disagree on many social issues. You may disagree with your friends on what the best flavor of ice cream is.
Used in a sentence: My brother thinks green is the best color, but I disagree and think blue is the best.

Disagree can also mean to cause physical discomfort or illness. This sense of disagree is often followed by with.

Real-life examples: If you have lactose intolerance, milk will disagree with you and will cause stomach aches and other problems if you drink it. Rotten food will probably disagree with you and cause food poisoning or vomiting.
Used in a sentence: I try to stay inside in the winter because cold weather really disagrees with me.

Other Word Forms

predisagree verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of disagree

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, Middle French desagreer; equivalent to dis- ¹ + agree

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

People who disagree with him include his identical twin brother.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

There’s things we will definitely disagree with, but we’re both decent people.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

A spokesperson for Meta said they "respectfully disagree with the verdict," adding that "teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app."

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

In a statement, Meta said: "We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options."

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

If Mother wanted to disagree, that was her business.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023