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
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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
Perhaps this explains why there was none of the needle associated with those recent encounters, including the Carabao Cup first-round clash in August 2024 that again ended in a bout of argy-bargy sparked by a 92nd-minute clash between Sydie Peck and Jack Marriott.
—
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argy-bargy
Noun
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He's emerged as one of the top talents at his position, with some ready to put him in the MVP discussion ahead of the 2025 campaign.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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There reportedly have been major discussions within WWE to move Knight to Raw as a fresh start of sorts, but for now, WWE’s happy medium is simply letting Knight appear on Monday nights without an official move to the red brand.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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The victim got into a quarrel inside Bob’s Classic Barber Shop on Albany Ave.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
10 June 2026
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What was a calm discussion turned into a quarrel, and the new director of the facility came out to see what was going on.—
Amer Matar,
The Dial,
26 May 2026
Noun
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Read on for our recap of the final debate over Indiana redistricting.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
12 Dec. 2025
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But the debate over how to regulate AI has caused schisms not only in the industry but also within the conservative movement and Republican party.—
Samantha Waldenberg,
CNN Money,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
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That means this long-running dispute is going to rumble on for some time yet.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
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In 2018, Kushner’s relationship with Videgaray was a crucial palliative, as the two men worked to resolve disputes behind the scenes.—
Stephania Taladrid,
New Yorker,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Screen Producers Australia has lodged a 22-recommendation submission to the Australian government’s National Cultural Policy consultation, putting the market power of streaming platforms over independent producers at the center of its push for structural reform.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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As a result, what might once have been considered a minor issue may now involve diagnostic imaging, specialist consultations or prescription medications that quickly add up.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Noun
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So far, detectives have found no evidence of a physical altercation or foul play.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
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Some arguments and other altercations broke out in the stands as well as outside the stadium, according to footage posted on social media.—
Suhauna Hussain,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
Noun
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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Abby Frank,
The Conversation,
5 Nov. 2025
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For small businesses, simplicity wins—a clear offer like ‘buy one, gift one’ or a free consult lowers the barrier for first-time buyers and gives them a reason to pick you over a big-box store.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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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
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That’s harder for, say, poetry—you’ll have more disagreement among readers.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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