What does "faction" mean?
A group of people, especially within a political organization, which expresses a shared belief or opinion different from people who are not part of the group.
Faction
/ˈfæk.ʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A group of people, especially within a political organization, which expresses a shared belief or opinion different from people who are not part of the group.
- Grammar: faction is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: sect, affiliation, age group, aggressiveness.
- Useful contrasts: consensus, harmony, solidarity.
- Usage evidence: He once belonged to the Fukuda faction.
How to use "faction"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "faction" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "faction" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "faction" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "faction" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "faction" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "sect" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "faction", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A group of people, especially within a political organization, which expresses a shared belief or opinion different from people who are not part of the group. countable
"Real factions may be divided into those from interest, from principle, and from affection"
- 2 A form of literature, film etc., that treats real people or events as if they were fiction; a mix of fact and fiction. uncountable
"Near-synonym: fictionalization"
- 3 a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue wordnet
- 4 Strife; discord. uncountable
"Publick [sic] affairs soon fell into the utmost confusion, and in this state of faction and perplexity, the island continued, until its re-capture by the French in 1779."
- 5 The facts found in fiction. uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 a dissenting clique wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"He once belonged to the Fukuda faction."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "faction"?
Common synonyms include: sect, affiliation, age group, aggressiveness, american party, antagonism.
How do you use "faction" in a sentence?
He once belonged to the Fukuda faction.
How do you pronounce "faction"?
Pronounced /ˈfæk.ʃən/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from Middle French faction, from Latin factiō (“a group of people acting together, a political faction”), noun of process from perfect passive participle factus, from faciō (“do, make”). Doublet of fashion.
Etymology 2
Blend of fact + fiction.