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
Example Sentences
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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
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In the past two decades, much of the often spirited discussion has centered on Michael Jordan and four-time league MVP LeBron James.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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As an iconic component of downtown infrastructure, the skyway network cannot be separated from broader discussions about the revitalization of downtown.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But by agreeing to disagree on these ideological quarrels, negotiators could manage to find ways to prevent them from triggering unnecessary crises.—
Mohammad Javad Zarif,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Dec. 2025
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Police said the quarrel escalated when a 39-year-old man pulled out a gun and shot the victim twice.—
Natalie McMillan,
CBS News,
15 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Though Andrea — initially convicted of capital murder — was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a mental health facility, debate over what drove her actions continues to this day.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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The 2025-26 NBA season is in full swing, renewing the long-running debate over the league’s greatest player.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Opening arguments in a Stanford felony vandalism case began Friday amid sharp disputes over whether political views tied to Israel’s war in Gaza should factor into the trial — an issue that has shaped the case from its earliest stages.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Jan. 2026
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Police had initially said the shooting involved a family dispute but gave no specific details.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As a newcomer to composing and arranging for strings, Simon benefitted greatly by working with a group readily available for consultation and collaboration.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
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The Oscar-winning actor attributed much of his weight-loss transformation to completely removing gluten, a protein found naturally in grains including wheat, rye and barley, from his diet with the consultation of his doctor.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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During the altercation, the security guard shot and killed the man, McCabe said.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
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In 2019, Dykstra had drug and terroristic threat charges dropped after an altercation with an Uber driver in New Jersey in 2018.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ben Jones 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.—
Ben Jones,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
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The Department of Children and Families has received more than 300 reports of child trafficking in the past two years and completed more than 350 consults.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Or one who dismissed concerns from Black New Yorkers by citing disagreements with African leaders.—
David Moore,
New York Daily News,
11 Jan. 2026
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Tommy has opposed the offshore well from the start — a gamble with only a 10% chance of success — and the disagreement has long strained his relationship with Cami.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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