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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cavils
Verb
-
Every once in a while, a customer complains about the lascivious photos in the loo, but The Charles’ owners brush it off.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026 -
More funds would continue to be diverted to maintaining borrowing—something Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio often complains about.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Avoid money quarrels with everyone.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The criticisms included a lack of safety evidence for its robotic surgery methods and doubt over the implant’s long-term use.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
-
With her million followers on Instagram, the model has become particularly known for her criticisms of her biological father, Elon Musk.—
Kahina Sekkaï,
Vanity Fair,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Back in the car, Albert moans and groans while Billie shrieks in panic.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Passersby hear its shrieks and moans from the road.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
San Diego softened its historic preservation rules Tuesday in order to accelerate homebuilding, despite objections from leading local historians and many Ocean Beach residents worried about community character.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The European Union failed to pass new sanctions on Russia on Monday after surprise objections from Hungary, the bloc's top diplomat said.—
SAM McNEIL,
Arkansas Online,
24 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
-
Active listening also helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that your actions align with your words and commitments, reinforcing your reputation for honesty and ethical behavior.—
Nancy Pulciano,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Clarity paired with kindness heals misunderstandings faster than silence.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Space multiple feeders out of sight to avoid hummingbird squabbles.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In these squabbles, lies are told, stories are made up and the mantra that there are two sides to everything is proven false.—
Dave Lieber,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
