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
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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
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Recent Examples of argy-bargy
The staredown initiated a little argy-bargy between the pair as both teams exited the field.
—
David Close,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Perhaps this explains why there was none of the needle associated with those recent encounters, including the Carabao Cup first-round clash in August 2024 that again ended in a bout of argy-bargy sparked by a 92nd-minute clash between Sydie Peck and Jack Marriott.
—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
22 Mar. 2026
David Close,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Perhaps this explains why there was none of the needle associated with those recent encounters, including the Carabao Cup first-round clash in August 2024 that again ended in a bout of argy-bargy sparked by a 92nd-minute clash between Sydie Peck and Jack Marriott.
—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argy-bargy
Noun
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His show, which ran for nearly four decades, provided a national platform for frank discussions on race, politics, and culture.
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If emotions rise, pause to name the concern, then restate the common goal so the discussion shifts from blame toward practical steps and timelines everyone trusts.
Noun
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The victim got into a quarrel inside Bob’s Classic Barber Shop on Albany Ave.
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Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.
Noun
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More broadly, the technology also reignites debates over how to balance learning efficiency against the risk of cheating.
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The complexity at play in data center debates is often what has prompted moratoriums, with local governments looking for more time to properly take stock of concerns from neighbors and the facts at hand.
Noun
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The legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and pricing control.
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The dispute over Mississippi's law dates back to 2024, when the Republican National Committee and Mississippi's Libertarian Party filed lawsuits challenging the ballot-receipt deadline.
Noun
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Start by requesting a full estimate of the procedure, including consultations, lab work, and follow-up appointments.
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Beyond manufacturing, The Yard includes a design studio, a bespoke consultation room for custom frame commissions, a training academy for opticians and makers, and a growing archive of historic spectacles spanning more than two centuries.
Noun
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While Blutinger was speaking, history professor Jonathan Roth attempted to take video of the protesters in the hallway and got into a physical altercation with a female student who tried to block him from doing so.
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During that altercation, the other person shot Perkins several times, police said.
Noun
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The law requires that the DHS secretary consult with other government agencies before designating a country for TPS.
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Nissen consults for statin-makers AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis and Pfizer but does not receive financial compensation.
Noun
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Given the patchy nature of Paleolithic evidence, this matter has provoked many disagreements, which began long before the publication of The Stone Age Diet.
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At the same time, disagreements among friends may expose rivalries, mixed loyalties or gossip that has been circulating beneath the surface.
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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