feud
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for feud, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long-running, bitter conflict between two people, families, or groups.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use feud
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French faide, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "hatred, enmity" — related to the word foe.
Full origin of feud →Frequently asked questions
What does “feud” mean?
The word “feud” means a long-running, bitter conflict between two people, families, or groups. In plain terms, a long, bitter dispute between people or groups that keeps flaring up.
How do you pronounce “feud”?
“Feud” is pronounced fyood (/fjuːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “feud” in a sentence?
Here is “feud” used in a sentence: “The two neighboring families had been locked in a feud for generations.”
What part of speech is “feud”?
Depending on how it is used, “feud” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “feud” come from?
The word “feud” comes from Old French. From Old French faide, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "hatred, enmity" — related to the word foe.
Is “feud” a common word?
“Feud” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “feud” have?
“Feud” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-running, bitter conflict between two people, families, or groups.
What is the difference between a feud and an argument?
An argument is typically a single dispute or disagreement that can be resolved relatively quickly, while a feud is a long-running, bitter conflict that persists over time, often between families, groups, or individuals. A feud implies ongoing hostility rather than a one-off exchange.
Can feud be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun, a feud is a long-running, bitter conflict, as in "a family feud." As a verb, to feud means to carry on that long-running hostile dispute, as in "the two families have feuded for years."
What are common collocations with feud?
Feud is often used with words like family, ongoing, bitter, and long-running, as in "a bitter family feud" or "an ongoing feud between neighbors." These collocations emphasize the sustained, personal nature of the conflict.