1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
wouldn't be a cricket match without a little argy-bargy over the umpire's every call
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the perennial argy-bargy over whether the monarchy should be abolished
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of argy-bargy
Now all that manic football, the back-and-forth, the argy-bargy, the disputed, disallowed or not-given penalties, the unrelenting and unforgiving pace, were distilled into this moment and Arsenal were bearing down.
—
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argy-bargy
Noun
-
Progress appeared to be very little, as Iran has sought to limit the discussions to solely its nuclear program.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
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Through both press conferences and private discussions, a number of topics are broached including public safety, but Dumont casts them aside.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The victim was stabbed multiple times in the back as the quarrel escalated, police said.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
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This time, the quarrel between state and Hamilton County leaders is about language, slipped into a lengthy bill, that would nullify rental cap ordinances.—
Jake Allen,
IndyStar,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But whether our collective desire has been sated is up for (a lot of) debate.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The Berlinale has long been considered a forum for political expression and a crucible for debate about important world affairs, but avoiding political comment has seemingly been a trend at this year’s event, whether by chance, design or out of fear.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
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While Japan has seized fishing vessels from South Korea and Taiwan in recent years, the incident is the first involving a vessel from China since 2022 and comes against the backdrop of a major diplomatic dispute between the countries.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The bill passed its first discussion unanimously earlier this month, then advanced to public consultation before the final vote.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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For the first time since the war began, members invoked Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, the mechanism for collective consultation when a member feels its security is threatened.—
Frederic Lemieux,
Fortune,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Dorgan had attended other hockey games without issue, and there’s no evidence so far that an altercation had occurred at the rink before the killings.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
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In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Transformers actor was arrested in New Orleans after an alleged physical altercation outside of a Royal Street business.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Emily Hemendinger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
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As an industry analyst, author Bob O’Donnell works and consults with a wide range of tech companies, including T-Mobile.—
Bob O'Donnell,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This is not necessarily a disagreement with the party itself, but with certain practices that limit openness.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
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Debates and disagreements have gotten personal.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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