Synonym Chooser

How does the noun altercation contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of altercation are quarrel, squabble, and wrangle. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

Where would quarrel be a reasonable alternative to altercation?

In some situations, the words quarrel and altercation are roughly equivalent. However, quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When is it sensible to use squabble instead of altercation?

The meanings of squabble and altercation largely overlap; however, 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

When would wrangle be a good substitute for altercation?

The words wrangle and altercation can be used in similar contexts, but wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of altercation In 2022, Miller faced accusations of assault, abuse, and grooming children, and was subject of arrest for disorderly conduct, which led to a string of subsequent arrests, often following physical altercations. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 June 2025 An investigation said that several men had been sitting together in the driveway when an altercation began. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 23 June 2025 At some point, an altercation started, leading to the shooting, which appears to have happened in the parking lot outside the lounge. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025 Her lawyers blamed O'Keefe's injuries on a dog attack as well as an altercation with men at the after-party. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for altercation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation
Noun
  • Before the dispute, the Shinawatras and the Huns of Cambodia — two of Southeast Asia’s most influential political dynasties — had enjoyed close personal relations for decades.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • The dispute has influenced Paramount’s approach to a lawsuit accusing it of deceptively editing an interview with Kamala Harris.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The quarrel exploded Thursday, leading to a public back and forth on X, formerly Twitter.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • This was just one of many quarrels between the two that grew more frequent.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The changes come amid several controversies facing the Texas Lottery in recent years, particularly on the issue of courier purchases.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • The original, shot by Bryce Anderson, drew a lot of attention and controversy, with many critiquing the image as a provocative and degrading towards women.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • For decades, Kahneman and Gary Klein, a psychologist who researches naturalistic decision-making, had a running disagreement about whether human intuition could be trusted.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • Though the talks fell apart over disagreements on what measures North Korea would take toward disarmament and Trump’s reluctance to offer sanctions relief, the summits ended on a surprisingly hopeful note, with the two leaders walking away as pen pals.
    Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • The result of that fight was Paul's first and only pro loss, dropping a split decision to Fury.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Then, in 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts do not have a role to play in deciding legal fights over partisan gerrymandering, when state's voting lines are drawn to entrench the political party in power.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Most of the brawls took place between large groups of teenagers, according to Conley.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • Anakin and Obi-Wan's lightsaber brawl is an all-timer just for sheer brutality. 34.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • The murder trial was set to begin next month, starting with jury selection on Aug. 4, and opening arguments two weeks later.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025
  • Aside from the economic argument, new renewable power systems–particularly solar–have also helped prevent brownouts from California to Texas to New England.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The Hussein family bickers about which MENA ethnicities are better than others.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Better to follow the West German example and achieve full NATO membership for independent Ukraine than to watch essential U.S. support dwindle as Congress bickers and Trump’s reelection odds increase.
    M. E. Sarotte, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Altercation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercation. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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