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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The coastal cyclone is expected to bring moderate to heavy snow, along with high winds and possible blizzard conditions for the Carolinas through Saturday night, the weather service's Weather Prediction Center said in a forecast discussion.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
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Right before the crash, discussions captured on the cockpit voice recorder indicated that the pilot wanted the landing gear to be launched.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some of the quarrels that divided Minneapolis city leaders only a few weeks ago, over policing or Gaza or the budget, have faded as people have come together to oppose ICE.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
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After all, this dispute is a business quarrel, rather than a personal one; while the lawsuit involves a college and a student, it’s better understood as a team trying to keep its star quarterback.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Housing policy debates fixate on supply without acknowledging the strain placed on families who spend hours each day on the road.—
Christopher Bellingham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
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While there is considerable debate over Another Planet funding the rehab and ushering in the venue’s new role as a music house, what’s not in dispute is the impact the renovation on the building itself.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Officers learned that a group known to each other got into an altercation resulting from an ongoing dispute, the police said.—
Jack Perry,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
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At least five competing proposals have emerged from major coalitions, several of which have fractured in recent days as internal disputes deepened.—
JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Edwards said decisions involving a ransom are always up to the family and that the FBI can help provide consultation.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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The rhinoplasty process begins with a detailed consultation.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On Tuesday, Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky said city police were working with Hays CISD to collect witness statements and video evidence from students who were present during the altercation.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Feb. 2026
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But there is a time and a place, and becoming embroiled in a physical altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before leading your country in an international is neither the right time nor the right place.—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Andrea Katz 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.—
Andrea Katz,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
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The district’s usual procedure is to notify parents about school closures the day of before 5:30 a.m., once the superintendent checks road conditions across the district and consults with local emergency management officials and neighboring superintendents.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The episode has punctured Preckwinkle’s reputation for managerial skill — a primary reason this page has endorsed her in previous elections despite some disagreements with other aspects of her record.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Trump has demanded a resolution to the two countries’ long-standing disagreements about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.—
Vivian Salama,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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