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 Simple assault includes altercations and incidents that don’t involve weapons or serious injuries, including domestic incidents. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 Upon returning to the stage, the performer — holding a drink in one hand — shows the audience his sore knuckles after the altercation and seemingly mocks the DJ. Natalia Cano, Billboard, 13 Aug. 2025 Investigators are working to determine if and where an altercation began, and if the two men had a connection to one another. Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2025 During the altercation, police said a man — later identified as Villalobos — approached the scene from across the street and shot the driver once in the lower back. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for altercation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation
Noun
  • Tennessee Attorney General investigation raises questions about Nashville Church of Christ financial dealings and income through parking lots, while case against Grant disputes deed restriction.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Since 2022, the number of films and TV shows made in the United States had dropped by about 40 percent, thanks to ballooning production costs at home, competition from overseas, and long-running labor disputes everywhere.
    Zoë Schiffer, Wired News, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • After getting into a quarrel with the passenger, Millise stabbed him in the right torso and slashed the left side of his face with a knife.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025
  • In particular, Trump‘s jaw-dropping Feb. 28 quarrel with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ushered in a stampede away from Arizona.
    Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Whether Sanders can overcome this buzz and controversy will remain to be seen.
    Cecil Merkerson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Ace was involved in several controversies during the season, including the heart rate challenge and Jeremiah's dumping.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Her number one tip to successfully co-parent is keep the focus on the kids and avoid letting disagreements get in the way.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The episode begins with Lisa and Larsa at each other’s throats, not letting go of their disagreement over Jody texting Larsa.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Redistricting in Texas, the center of the fight, is far from over.
    The NPR Network, NPR, 14 Aug. 2025
  • He was arrested three days after the fights and has been detained at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
    Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The charge was announced Aug. 19, more than three weeks after the brawl.
    Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Far Too Obvious Packers Offensive Weapon Predicted to Be Surprise Cut Candidate Adams isn't the only one who viewed the massive brawl, as social media has been peppered with videos from the fight.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images But there is another side to this argument.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Sell Cell makes the argument that Apple’s struggles with rolling out Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 might play a role in the increased speed of iPhone depreciation.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Altercation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercation. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on altercation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!