as in complains
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant
caviled for hours about a single sentence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cavils
Verb
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Never says a word, never complains about it, right?—
Anderson Cooper,
CBS News,
17 May 2026 -
Anushka complains about the agreement that asks users to accept 97 pages of terms and conditions in 7-point font, but these guys don’t even see themselves as car manufacturers.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
Noun
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In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
-
As the trio quarrels, bonds and ventures through the wild unknown, Felix discovers that true bravery may change not only his own destiny, but also the future of his home.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 May 2026
Noun
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One of the main criticisms lobbed at DeGette in the primary campaign so far has focused on the number of her bills that have become law.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
Criticisms The calculator is part of an effort to build support for the governor’s proposal and push back against criticisms, particularly over its potential impact on local government finances.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2026
Verb
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As the video continues, one person can be heard yelling her name while the makeup artist moans in pain.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
21 May 2026
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The Freight House building creaks and moans underfoot, and passing trains produce little more than a subtle hum.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With no objections and the window for objections having ended, the USPTO is expected to register QuadGod to Malinin, and that registration should occur in a matter of weeks.—
Sara Germano,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
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In the felony battery case, the court later granted Jimenez’s request to participate in the mental health diversion program despite the prosecutor’s objections, Gire said Monday.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
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So your first indication of problems can be a client who nitpicks every job, forcing you to return to re-trim the 2-inch patch of sod that the client claims wasn’t properly manicured.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
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But Brian constantly nitpicks her purchases.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Submission quality varies wildly, and committees end up correcting basic misunderstandings instead of debating strategy.—
David Talby,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Important details get lost, misunderstandings creep in, and decisions slow down.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
28 May 2026
Noun
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But kids are fickle creatures, and eventually got bored of those Eternian squabbles.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 June 2026
-
While passage of a budget is considered virtually inevitable despite internal squabbles, legislative action on a measure to keep the Bears from moving to Hammond, Indiana, is still being negotiated to satisfy a variety of interests.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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