as in dispute
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
a loud quarrel erupted at the next table over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily
the coach and the referee quarreled about whether the ball was in bounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of quarrel
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.
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Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
Tess Riski
april 10,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
Budapest, which has quarreled with its EU partners over support for Ukraine and Russian oil deliveries, has also blocked a 90 billion euro ($103 billion) loan as Kyiv runs low on cash.
—
Lorne Cook,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quarrel
Noun
Prosecutors said this past Friday, Contreras got into a quarrel with a woman who was a member of his family outside an Oakwood Hills Home.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.
—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
Verb
On Thursday, the Miami City Commission deferred voting on two commissioners’ requests to fund affordable housing and parks in their districts after officials quarreled over which areas in the city have the most pressing needs, an argument that cut to the core of the wealth divide in Miami.
—
Tess Riski
april 10,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
Budapest, which has quarreled with its EU partners over support for Ukraine and Russian oil deliveries, has also blocked a 90 billion euro ($103 billion) loan as Kyiv runs low on cash.
—
Lorne Cook,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quarrel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrel
Noun
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The dispute has opened a new front in a years-long fight over transparency at the shelter, which has faced multiple investigations into overcrowding, animal deaths and a sharp decline in transfers to rescue groups.
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As bitcoin becomes more involved in private contracts, treasury strategies, cross border settlement and business arrangements, disputes will not always arrive in court as dramatic stories about hacks or scams.
Verb
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King bickered with fans on social media.
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But Tilly and Gershon playfully bickered onstage as the former remembered things slightly differently, with Tilly saying the problem had more to do with a shot of her hand on Gershon's crotch that was deemed too realistic.
Noun
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Witnesses told the Nantucket Current that the stabbing followed a verbal and physical altercation between the driver of a Myles Reis garbage truck and the driver of a Sayles Seafood delivery truck that had parked in the area.
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Cartwright said statements from those involved explained that the victim and her mother were involved in a physical altercation.
Verb
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Srebnick, however, argued that the crash was a tragic accident — and did not amount to a crime.
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While some experts say the government should be involved in conversations about AI safety, others argue the result could stifle the industry.
Noun
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At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about sexuality, morality and identity.
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This is a strategic disagreement.
Verb
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Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.
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Police said the bail agent and driver fought, and the agent fired one round, with the bullet striking the suspect in the arm.
Noun
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Worth noting Relievers Sam Hentges and Ryan Walker made their first appearances back at Oracle Park since the Pride Night controversy became a national story.
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The controversy began during a segment on the French sports network L’Équipe when presenter France Pierron argued that participating in the World Cup was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should take precedence over family obligations.
Verb
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Callie and Arizona: Another couple spatting over kids.
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Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.
Cite this Entry
“Quarrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quarrel. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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