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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There has been a consistent pattern with Florida football where a group of Gators fans complains about the current head coach, sportswriters mock them for having unrealistic expectations, and then those fans turn out to be totally correct.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025 -
Roman complains about pain in his feet, and Dennis offers him a foot massage.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Fraternal security Gulf states have had significant internal quarrels over the years but remain bound by mutual defense treaties signed decades ago.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Following Kirk’s death, his supporters flooded X with their criticisms of the episode.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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In the backdrop, the film also weathered criticisms over its portrayal of Mexico and transpeople.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Skilled marketers must proactively address customer objections in their content to win sales.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, all states allow medical vaccine exemptions, and most states have exemption policies in place for people with strong religious objections in an effort to balance the need for public health with freedom of choice.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But Brian constantly nitpicks her purchases.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The more gaps there are in communication, the more room there is for assumptions, misunderstandings and insecurity to grow.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Usually there’s some history of misunderstandings, hurt feelings or real transgressions.—
Ingrid Schmidt,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Democrats have long conceded that the party needs a new vision after voters soundly rejected their presidential ticket last fall, and internal squabbles about the party’s future have spilled out into the public.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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His career is an interesting case study, raising questions about how well universities can monitor professors' research output and manage the interdepartmental squabbles that can sprout up on campuses.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Black’s sister Molly Watts said the family had doubts after agreeing to donate Black’s organs but felt unheard until the 34-year-old doctor, in his first year as a neurosurgeon, intervened.—
Kff Health News,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
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If there were any lingering doubts, Aaron Judge has now cemented his status as a bona fide Yankees legend.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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