altercation

noun

al·​ter·​ca·​tion ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən 

: a noisy, heated, angry dispute

He got into several altercations with his boss.

also : noisy controversy

Synonyms of altercation

• dispute
• quarrel
• controversy
• disagreement
• fight
• brawl
• argument
• bicker
• misunderstanding

Choose the Right Synonym for altercation

quarrel, wrangle, altercation, squabble mean a noisy dispute usually marked by anger.

quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger.

a brief squabble over what to do next

Examples of altercation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During Vega's sentencing for the bar altercation, producers for Netflix allegedly sent letters in support of leniency. —Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025

Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant and New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi got into a heated altercation under the net during Wednesday night’s game that resulted in both players being ejected before halftime. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Immediately, Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film, lunged toward the altercation, placing herself between Grande and the man and appearing to shout at him. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

Smith would receive widespread backlash for advising women to avoid provoking men in hopes of avoiding a physical altercation. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English altercacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French altercacion, borrowed from Latin altercātiōn-, altercātiō, from altercārī, altercāre "to dispute vehemently, wrangle" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at altercate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for altercation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

altercation

noun

al·​ter·​ca·​tion ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən 

: a noisy or angry dispute