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
• imbroglio
• disputation
• set-to
• contretemps
• feud
• clash
• debate
• battle royal
• cross fire
• donnybrook
• wrangle
• kickup
• rhubarb
• tussle
• run-in
• argy-bargy
• argle-bargle
• difference
• tangle
• scrap
• protest
• hassle
• attack
• vendetta
• fisticuffs
• contention
• 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

The change in agency comes after two other videos emerged of an earlier altercation between Pretti and federal immigration officers 11 days before his death. —Michael Biesecker, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026

The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a minor verbal altercation between the victims and the suspect. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2026

Following the game, an altercation involving several students and adults took place on the basketball court. —Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026

The change in agency comes after two other videos emerged of an earlier altercation between Pretti and federal immigration officers 11 days before his death. —Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026