Synonyms of altercation

altercation

noun

ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən 

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

judging from all the slamming and banging, I'd say there was some sort of altercation going on next door

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispute
• quarrel
• controversy
• disagreement
• fight
• brawl
• argument
• bicker
• misunderstanding
• spat
• skirmish
• row
• squabble
• falling-out
• tiff
• disputation
• imbroglio
• set-to
• contretemps
• feud
• clash
• debate
• battle royal
• cross fire
• donnybrook
• wrangle
• kickup
• rhubarb
• tussle
• run-in
• argy-bargy
• argle-bargle
• difference
• tangle
• dissention
• protest
• scrap
• hassle
• attack
• mêlée
• vendetta
• contention
• fisticuffs
• protestation
• logomachy
• melee
• objection
• affray
• fracas
• dissension
• catfight
• fuss
• free-for-all
• fray

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

Recent Examples of altercation

Initial investigation found that Carter was involved in an argument and physical altercation with someone when a man later identified as Spencer shot Carter and fled, police said at the time. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025

The shooting followed an altercation outside the establishment. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2025

Police believe the shooting was the end result of an altercation among multiple people, with multiple shots being fired. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025

On the night of the incident, Willingham got into a verbal altercation with her children's father, Theophilus Williams, on the phone when her mother tried to intervene, according to a motion for pretrial detention reviewed by PEOPLE. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025