What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detractor
Example
The movie received mixed reviews, with some detractors criticizing the plot and acting. [detractors: noun]
Example
The politician's detractors accused him of corruption and dishonesty. [detractors: plural noun]
dissenter
Example
The dissenter argued that the proposed law would infringe on individual rights. [dissenter: noun]
Example
The dissenter's views were not well-received by the rest of the committee. [dissenter's: possessive adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dissenter is more commonly used than detractor in everyday language. Dissenter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while detractor is less common and may be considered more formal or specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detractor and dissenter?
While detractor is typically associated with a more formal or specialized tone, dissenter is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.