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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cavils
Verb
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But today nobody complains about the cost of his castles.
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Never says a word, never complains about it, right?
Noun
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Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.
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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.
Verb
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Musselwhite punctuated the music with his harmonica trills and moans while his right knee bounced in time with the rhythms.
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As the video continues, one person can be heard yelling her name while the makeup artist moans in pain.
Noun
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That, of course, was shown at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where the Jabulani grabbed headlines for its erratic and unpredictable movement — so much so that there’s a Wikipedia page dedicated to its criticisms.
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Former school board member Melissa Easley echoed many of those criticisms in a lengthy Facebook post Wednesday.
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.
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But Brian constantly nitpicks her purchases.
Noun
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The judge also overruled any further objections from the defense regarding Blankenship’s testimony on the matter.
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Despite those objections, the administration is expected to proceed with the transaction and formally notify Congress in the coming days.
Noun
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False hopes about working in retirement speak to fundamental misunderstandings about retirement and the labor market, experts say.
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Also, misunderstandings can be dangerous.
Noun
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And yes, none of this has been traditional in terms of politics, besides the ongoing squabbles between certain politicians, boosters and commissioners from the two biggest conferences in college athletics.
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Could the modern classic sitcom about a group of disgruntled office workers' love affairs, friendships, falling outs, and petty squabbles be made today?
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Cite this Entry
“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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