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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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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The growing costs have fueled criticisms from challengers and some lawyers involved in litigation against the city, who argue incumbent City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has mishandled settlement strategy and over-relied on outside counsel.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
23 May 2026
-
All these half-serious demands notably echo criticisms of and allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration in recent times.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 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
-
This change is well underway, and the very reasonable objections to this path will not dissuade the company.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 May 2026
-
The Reverend Edmond Massey, preaching in the midst of London’s outbreak, captured the essence of such objections.—
Tom Levenson,
Time,
20 May 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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Nevertheless, confusion with your kids, as well as disappointing, romantic misunderstandings, could also be a bummer.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 May 2026
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These misunderstandings, unfortunately, have happened between students and law enforcement around the country.—
Dennis Valera,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Noun
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But even the past shows signs of treading water, with the team returning to schoolgirl squabbles while their survival isn’t in immediate danger.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
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Locals are happy to regale you with tales of family squabbles and fishing exploits at any of the seaside watering holes.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
2 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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