Synonyms of apple of discord, such as contentious issue, bone of contention, provocation, and dispute, describe something that causes conflict, disagreement, or rivalry.
For example, a bone of contention emphasizes ongoing disagreement, while provocation focuses on the act that triggers conflict. These words capture tension, rivalry, and debate — whether in relationships, politics, or storytelling.
If you’re writing about literature, history, interpersonal conflict, or metaphorical disputes, choosing the right synonym for the apple of discord helps express the intensity and source of conflict more precisely.
These synonyms of the apple of discord not only make your writing sharper but also convey the nuance of tension, from mild disagreement to outright rivalry.
What Does Apple of Discord Mean?
Apple of discord refers to a cause of conflict, quarrel, or rivalry, originating from Greek mythology, where a golden apple led to a dispute among goddesses.
It can be literal, metaphorical, or social — anything that sparks disagreement or competition.
Key Characteristics
- Cause of tension: triggers rivalry or argument.
- Disruptive element: creates division among parties.
- Symbolic origin: often used metaphorically in stories, history, or speech.
Think of an apple of discord as the spark that ignites a feud — a seemingly small object or issue that leads to a larger conflict.
Synonyms for Apple of Discord (With Meanings, Usage & Examples)
1. Bone of Contention
Meaning: Something people argue about repeatedly.
Example: The allocation of funds became a bone of contention in the meeting.
2. Contentious Issue
Meaning: A topic likely to cause disagreement.
Example: Climate policy remains a contentious issue worldwide.
3. Provocation
Meaning: Something that deliberately triggers anger or conflict.
Example: His comments were a provocation that started a debate.
4. Dispute
Meaning: A disagreement or argument.
Example: The land dispute lasted for years.
5. Rivalry
Meaning: Competition between parties.
Example: The rivalry between the schools lasted decades.
6. Conflict
Meaning: Serious disagreement or clash.
Example: Conflict erupted over property boundaries.
7. Controversy
Meaning: Public disagreement or debate.
Example: The film sparked controversy for its bold themes.
8. Feud
Meaning: Long-lasting, bitter conflict.
Example: The families were locked in a feud for generations.
9. Argument
Meaning: A verbal disagreement.
Example: Their argument escalated quickly during dinner.
10. Quarrel
Meaning: Minor or personal dispute.
Example: A quarrel over chores turned into a bigger fight.
11. Discord
Meaning: Lack of harmony or agreement.
Example: Discord spread throughout the council over the new law.
12. Wrangle
Meaning: Noisy or prolonged dispute.
Example: The committee wrangled over the budget allocations.
13. Strife
Meaning: Bitter conflict or struggle.
Example: Years of political strife left the region unstable.
14. Argumentative Point
Meaning: Specific aspect that triggers disagreement.
Example: His argumentative point on taxation annoyed everyone.
15. Friction
Meaning: Tension between people or groups.
Example: There was friction between the team members after the decision.
16. Tension
Meaning: Mental or emotional strain caused by conflict.
Example: The tension in the room was palpable.
17. Disagreement
Meaning: Difference in opinion or interest.
Example: A simple disagreement escalated into a heated debate.
18. Wrath Trigger
Meaning: Something that provokes anger or conflict.
Example: The unfair policy was a wrath trigger for employees.
19. Hot Topic
Meaning: Subject likely to cause debate.
Example: Gun control remains a hot topic in politics.
20. Stumbling Block
Meaning: An Obstacle causing conflict or difficulty.
Example: The clause became a stumbling block during negotiations.
21. Trigger
Meaning: A Cause that provokes a reaction or conflict.
Example: His criticism was the trigger for the argument.
22. Irritant
Meaning: Something annoying that leads to disagreement.
Example: The noisy construction was an irritant to neighbors.
23. Provoking Issue
Meaning: A Topic that causes agitation or conflict.
Example: The policy became a provoking issue for students.
24. Hot-Button Issue
Meaning: Highly sensitive or controversial topic.
Example: Immigration is a hot-button issue in the election.
25. Flashpoint
Meaning: Point where conflict is likely to erupt.
Example: The disputed territory became a flashpoint for war.
26. Bone to Pick
Meaning: A grievance to discuss or argue about.
Example: She had a bone to pick with her colleague over deadlines.
27. Divisive Topic
Meaning: Something that splits opinions sharply.
Example: Social media censorship is a divisive topic worldwide.
28. Cause of Friction
Meaning: Specific thing that provokes disagreement.
Example: Miscommunication was the main cause of friction.
29. Source of Contention
Meaning: Origin of a dispute.
Example: The inheritance clause was a source of contention.
30. Obstacle to Harmony
Meaning: Anything preventing agreement or peace.
Example: Personal egos became an obstacle to harmony in the team.
How to Choose the Right Synonym for Apple of Discord
Formal or Academic Writing
Use terms like contentious issue, source of contention, or obstacle to harmony.
Literary or Creative Writing
Use bone of contention, flashpoint, hot-button issue, or divisive topic to add vivid imagery.
Casual or Conversational Writing
Use bone to pick, a hot topic, an irritant, or a wrath trigger for a relatable tone.
Political or Journalistic Context
Use controversy, flashpoint, conflict, or stumbling block to emphasize real-world disputes.
Conclusion
The synonyms of apple of discord capture the spectrum of conflict — from minor irritations to major disputes.
Words like bone of contention and provocation show interpersonal or literary tension, while flashpoint and divisive topic highlight public or political strife.
Choosing the right synonym lets you match tone, intensity, and context — making your descriptions of conflict precise, vivid, and engaging for any audience.
