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

What was a calm discussion turned into a quarrel, and the new director of the facility came out to see what was going on. — Amer Matar, The Dial, 26 May 2026

Prosecutors said this past Friday, Contreras got into a quarrel with a woman who was a member of his family outside an Oakwood Hills Home. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 May 2026

Verb

Now might not seem the moment for Democrats to be quarrelling, but many of them believe that the only way to build the Party back up is to remake it. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026

The lack of money has, at times, led to quarrelling between the services - most notably pitting the navy against the army and the Royal Air Force. — Ian King, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026