quarrel 1 of 2

Definition of quarrelnext

quarrel

2 of 2

verb

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

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.
Recent Examples of quarrel
Noun
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 That same month, Browne found himself in a public quarrel with fellow Caribbean leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Verb
On Thursday, the Miami City Commission deferred voting on two commissioners’ requests to fund affordable housing and parks in their districts after officials quarreled over which areas in the city have the most pressing needs, an argument that cut to the core of the wealth divide in Miami. Tess Riski april 10, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 Budapest, which has quarreled with its EU partners over support for Ukraine and Russian oil deliveries, has also blocked a 90 billion euro ($103 billion) loan as Kyiv runs low on cash. Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quarrel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrel
Noun
  • In 2023, Archer settled intellectual property disputes with Boeing and its air taxi unit Wisk, and signed an agreement to collaborate on autonomous tech, and invested in the air taxi maker.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • Carney acknowledged that while the US and Canada have had disputes, the countries have always worked through them, and that a more independent Canada makes the country a better ally.
    Reuters May 28, CNN Money, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • While things have calmed over the years, the siblings still bicker and often disagree.
    Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
  • While the concrete cured, the starting eight matches of the first-ever World Cup were relocated to Pocitos and Gran Parque Central, the home grounds of capital rivals Peñarol and Nacional, who'd been bickering since their first meeting in July 1900.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • The Grammy winner’s Ring camera caught the altercation when her private security intervened and tried to get Applegate to leave.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • The altercation allegedly led to a brief fight in which the granddaughter is accused of pulling on one of the kids' hair before being separated.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Defense attorneys, seated in a long row before Maguire while their clients sat in jail uniforms in the courtroom’s jury box, called the DA’s motion unnecessary, arguing any undue pretrial publicity began with prosecutors’ own news conference at the beginning of their criminal case.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
  • The decision comes after months of public opposition from customers who argued their bills were already among the highest in the state and who urged regulators to reject the increases altogether.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • All this negative verbiage stems from disagreements over contracts with Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach and what the sheriff agreed to do.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • As political disagreements have splintered the nation, Americans of every political persuasion have raised the flag to display pride or protest.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • While Hulst tried to fight his way through traffic, Serna was in unfamiliar territory.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • Aspiring journalist Lily’s camera was recording when the OPEF Marines invaded and began killing both Marsies and the Peacekeepers force that was actually aligned with the Marines and fighting against the Marsies.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Mullin is keeping them Noem had a host of controversies before her ouster.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • The act has caused controversy.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Callie and Arizona: Another couple spatting over kids.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quarrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quarrel. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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