BICKERING Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

bickering

verb

Definition of bickering

present participle of bicker

as in arguing

to express different opinions about something often angrily if you two don't stop bickering about where to go to eat, we're not going out at all!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of bickering There’s striker Josie Gordon, bickering twin sisters Siobhan and Niamh, glove-shunning goalie Katie ‘Boots’ Quinn and couple Maddie and Margy. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Back at the base, the team is still bickering with the other troopers. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2026 After bickering with Percy over her involvement in the mission, Thalia ultimately drives away from the scene. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026 Establishment figures such as Jeffries and the party’s 2028 presidential candidates will need to grasp that the relationship between the DSA and the Democratic Party is not one of occasionally bickering siblings, but of parasite and host. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026 Several weeks back, Clark and White were caught bickering during a timeout huddle against the expansion Portland Fire. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026 The emotional distress may have stemmed from the family's extended trip together and bickering, his mother told USA TODAY on June 3. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 June 2026 While the concrete cured, the starting eight matches of the first-ever World Cup were relocated to Pocitos and Gran Parque Central, the home grounds of capital rivals Peñarol and Nacional, who'd been bickering since their first meeting in July 1900. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026 SpaceX and the Pentagon have been bickering about the price of using Starshield satellite service during the Iran war, according to a Reuters report published today. — ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bickering

Verb

The group has—so far unsuccessfully—called on both the NCAA and Big 12 to end the affiliation, arguing against universities participating in a youth-facing marketing campaign for energy drinks.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Approaching a parent with love and concern instead of arguing for their treatment can help alleviate a lot of stress.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of arguing

Verb

In another clip, a student records himself quarreling with a teacher asking him to take out his notes.

— Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026
Now might not seem the moment for Democrats to be quarrelling, but many of them believe that the only way to build the Party back up is to remake it.

— Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026

Definition of quarreling

Verb

Muslim leaders and community members, in turn, told the USA TODAY Network they’re left fighting to defend their faith and warning the nation that its founding principles are at stake.

— BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
But Verstappen had enough to pull clear in the last few laps and grab third, with the McLaren drivers slowed fighting amongst themselves.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of fighting

Verb

There were the two seen squabbling with Jackie last month, another Shadow batted out of the nest before Luna and Sandy left and now eaglet KD1 is making her presence known.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
The squabbling banter between the two is priceless, even endearing.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Definition of squabbling

Verb

The show, which debuted in 2025, centers on clashing mob families and stars Brosnan and Mirren as Harrigan crime family patriarch and matriarch Conrad and Maeve, respectively.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
But the move risks clashing with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s own plans to shrink the Fed’s balance sheet — and with any Fed decision to tighten monetary policy.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of clashing

Verb

Well, maybe everyone except for the fans escorted out of the right-field bleachers after brawling, another clip that went viral on social media.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Massive fights erupted at the Wisconsin State Fair during its chaotic closing hours Sunday, with viral video showing people in crowds throwing punches and brawling as police moved in to break up the mayhem.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of brawling

Verb

As the quartet’s planning proceeds, complete with a Lego model of the bank premises, Hamza’s wrangling for a larger share of the haul is relentless.

— Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
There was more than enough to do and most importantly no car seat wrangling required.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of wrangling

Browse Nearby Words

bickerers

bickering

bickers

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“Bickering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bickering. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of bickering

verb

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