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
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And also on Untucked… • Discord complains about Nini being in the top basically all episode, while other queens like Jane try to kindly not get down in the mud with her.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
3 Jan. 2026 -
Trump complains often that both rooms are too small.—
Darlene Superville,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Washington’s choice prioritized American independence over European quarrels.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
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The republic would treat other nations with civility precisely in order to remain independent of their appetites and quarrels.—
Maurizio Valsania,
The Conversation,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These efforts build on the Legislature’s 2023 Live Local Act, which offered incentives for affordable housing development but has drawn criticisms of uneven implementation and limited impact.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Leo, who has promised to keep Francis' signature policies such as welcoming gay Catholics and discussing women's ordination, echoed his predecessor's frequent criticisms of the global economic system during his remarks on Tuesday.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Shannon moans right about the time Jenn walks out to see what the commotion is all about.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The investigation into the killing of a US citizen by an ICE agent in Minneapolis this week is being complicated by clashes between federal and local officials, with the FBI taking control over the objections of Governor Tim Walz.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Following multiple delays, Keir Starmer is set to approve plans for the biggest Chinese embassy in Europe, after MI5 and MI6 declined to raise formal objections.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
13 Jan. 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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May 21 – June 20 Honesty can clear up any recent messy misunderstandings.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Your curious voice can turn a tense back-and-forth into a kind brainstorm by talking through personal misunderstandings to ensure everyone is actually having a good time.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Republicans must put results ahead of ego, teamwork ahead of self-promotion, and winning ahead of personal squabbles.—
CT Mirror,
Hartford Courant,
2 Jan. 2026
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And for the time being, Gaile Osborne won't have to worry about the legislative squabbles affecting her daughter's care.—
Bram Sable-Smith,
NPR,
23 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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