CAVILS Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

cavils 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of cavil

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cavils

2 of 2

noun

plural of cavil

as in quibbles

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cavils

Verb

In his journals Steinbeck complains about how sore his fingers got after writing with pencils all day long.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Thomas complains about being stuck in the Keanu Reeves movie Speed, which sends Paladin off on a surprisingly indignant, knowledgeable pop-culture rant.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of complains

Noun

The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.

— THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Unlike Christian priests and medicine men, who generally command respect, rainmakers are sometimes seen as malicious people who retaliate against whole communities for quarrels with their neighbors.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of quarrels

Noun

It’s expected to be the most politically delicate stop, given the Catholic Church’s sharp criticisms of the austerity program of libertarian President Javier Milei.

— Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Commissioners declined to comment for this article, and Tony has not posted any new criticisms on his agency’s social media pages.

— Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of criticisms

Verb

Sam makes a production out of teasing them, mock-reaching for various items on the set as the whole group moans and wails in distress.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Endo is the sixth choice midfielder and someone who never moans about his place in the pecking order.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of moans

Verb

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
But Brian constantly nitpicks her purchases.

— Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2025

Definition of nitpicks

Noun

Neither approach is wrong, but misunderstandings can arise when one partner feels crowded and the other feels lonely.

— Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026
But they could also be described as misconceptions, misunderstandings, or straight up bad information.

— Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of misunderstandings

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.

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caviling

cavils

caving

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“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of cavils

verb

noun

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