Synonyms of quarrel

quarrel 1 of 2

noun

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

a loud quarrel erupted at the next table over

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispute
• altercation
• disagreement
• bicker
• fight
• controversy
• argument
• brawl
• misunderstanding
• squabble
• row
• spat
• disputation
• tiff
• falling-out
• set-to
• skirmish
• contretemps
• feud
• clash
• imbroglio
• debate
• wrangle
• cross fire
• rhubarb
• battle royal
• donnybrook
• argle-bargle
• argy-bargy
• tussle
• tangle
• kickup
• difference
• scrap
• run-in
• objection
• logomachy
• contention
• protest
• protestation
• vendetta
• hassle
• attack
• dissension
• fisticuffs
• melee
• catfight
• affray
• fracas
• fuss
• fray
• free-for-all

quarrel

2 of 2

verb

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily

the coach and the referee quarreled about whether the ball was in bounds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bicker
• argue
• fight
• spat
• clash
• dispute
• brawl
• squabble
• debate
• controvert
• row
• wrangle
• tiff
• quibble
• jar
• fall out
• scrap
• discuss
• altercate
• bandy words
• lock horns
• hassle
• butt heads
• brabble
• argufy
• contest
• mix it up
• cavil
• contend
• dare
• tangle
• challenge
• protest
• object
• defy
• fuss
• nitpick
• kick
• consider

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• get along
• accept
• coexist
• agree
• concur
• consent
• assent

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun quarrel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quarrel are altercation, squabble, and wrangle. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When would altercation be a good substitute for quarrel?

The words altercation and quarrel can be used in similar contexts, but altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

When can squabble be used instead of quarrel?

The synonyms squabble and quarrel are sometimes interchangeable, but squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger.

a brief squabble over what to do next

When is it sensible to use wrangle instead of quarrel?

While the synonyms wrangle and quarrel are close in meaning, wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of quarrel

Noun

This followed a quarrel between two separate parties within the group. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026

This disagreement became our favorite quarrel. —Elisa Wouk Almino editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

Verb

Last year, the Legislature didn’t finalize its budget until two weeks before the annual budget cycle ended because the House and Senate quarreled over how to close a $4 billion spending gap. —Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

The three bills also are not the first headline-grabbing action from Schroer, who serves as chair of the Senate’s hard-right Freedom Caucus, which frequently quarrels with GOP leadership. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026