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
  1. complains
  2. quarrels
  3. fusses
  4. criticisms
  5. moans
  6. objections
  7. nitpicks
  8. misunderstandings
Verb
  • China is demanding the US ease export bans on high-tech goods, like chipmaking gear; the US bitterly complains about Chinese overproduction and transhipment.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
  • There’ll always be someone who doesn’t like it, who complains about it.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Sep. 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
Verb
  • Five-month-old Ladoo fusses in a hammock made from an old scarf.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of fusses
Noun
  • The criticisms reflect the deep bond that many Christians, particularly evangelicals, feel with Lewis, who promoted Christian teachings and themes through fiction and nonfiction.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores a range of concerns and criticisms regarding the handling and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in society.
    — Paul M. Nakasone, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 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
Noun
  • According to the report, the two commissioners questioned the legality of some of the decisions, but Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar disregarded their objections.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But such a decision may not be based on a school district’s objections to the ideas expressed in the books.
    — Susan Farrell, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of objections
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
  • Arendt herself complicated matters by calling it journalism instead of philosophy, which added to the misunderstandings.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Clear, descriptive communication with your doctor helps prevent those misunderstandings.
    — Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 24 Aug. 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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Cite this Entry

“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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