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

Last year, Burns attempted to gouge his wife's eye out during an altercation. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

Ellis claims that Cardi scratched her with her nail and spit on her; the rapper maintains that the altercation was strictly verbal and never became physical. —James Factora, Them., 28 Aug. 2025

The lawsuit involves a security guard, Emani Ellis, who claims that Cardi cut her face with her fingernail and spat at her during an altercation in 2018 while the rapper was visiting a medical office. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025

The two got into an altercation, leading to Tony’s death. —EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025