1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
wouldn't be a cricket match without a little argy-bargy over the umpire's every call
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the perennial argy-bargy over whether the monarchy should be abolished
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of argy-bargy
Now all that manic football, the back-and-forth, the argy-bargy, the disputed, disallowed or not-given penalties, the unrelenting and unforgiving pace, were distilled into this moment and Arsenal were bearing down.
—
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argy-bargy
Noun
-
Meaningful conversations between my wife and me are thwarted by her unwillingness to engage in rational discussions.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The negotiators discussed the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said, but did not mention discussion of nuclear weapons.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This followed a quarrel between two separate parties within the group.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
This disagreement became our favorite quarrel.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The case gained national attention, generated thousands of tips, and sparked online theories and debates that continue even today.—
Kelsy Mittauer,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
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More than a century ago the rise of the player piano prompted strikingly similar debates about automation, artistry and fair compensation.—
Steven Melendez,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Instead of postponing filming to resolve the labor dispute, producers pushed forward, crew members alleged.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Those discussions ended without a breakthrough, leaving core disputes unresolved — including the scope of Iran's nuclear activities and the conditions for ending the war that began in February.—
Sara Cook,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If Ashley plays her cards just right, Ava could get her a consultation.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
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Through consultation with Native tribes, the exhibit highlights how the use of hunting tools evolved over time for the earliest residents of Douglas County.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An alleged altercation in April 2024 involving Ye and a man — identified in court documents as John Doe — is at the core of the complaint.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
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In February, police were also called during an altercation involving Moore and Nesta before a mayoral debate.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Rich does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Jessica A.J. Rich,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
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Many of the tribes TxDOT consults are in southwest-central and southeast Oklahoma, an acknowledgment of their Texas roots.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Ongoing military activity in the Middle East and disagreements over Iran’s control of key shipping routes have left the diplomatic effort vulnerable to collapse before the talks even begin.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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The disagreement has also offered a preview of politics on the city’s newest Democratic body.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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