as in disputes
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
a loud quarrel erupted at the next table over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in bickers
to express different opinions about something often angrily
the coach and the referee quarreled about whether the ball was in bounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of quarrels
Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 May 2026
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
Today the Moon in your sign is at odds with fiery Mars, hinting at domestic quarrels and problems.
—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
This is the style that Newsom has employed on broadcasts with figures like Kirk and in public quarrels with Joe Rogan.
—Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Some of the quarrels that divided Minneapolis city leaders only a few weeks ago, over policing or Gaza or the budget, have faded as people have come together to oppose ICE.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
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
Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 May 2026
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
Today the Moon in your sign is at odds with fiery Mars, hinting at domestic quarrels and problems.
—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
This is the style that Newsom has employed on broadcasts with figures like Kirk and in public quarrels with Joe Rogan.
—Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Some of the quarrels that divided Minneapolis city leaders only a few weeks ago, over policing or Gaza or the budget, have faded as people have come together to oppose ICE.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
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
Verb
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrels
Noun
-
His brief tenure was characterized by disputes with the president over North Korea, Iran and Ukraine.—
Eric Tucker,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Community associations have found themselves in the spotlight recently with headlines about rising maintenance fees, contentious board decisions, and disputes between residents and leadership.—
Niurys Robaina,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The pope, played by Samora la Perdida, is a mincing oaf who bickers with Galas about the value of translating Wagner.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Internal disagreements over strategy, including the role of tech donors, also emerged as a key reason Mahan failed to take off.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
7 June 2026
-
The disagreements seem to be one-way in that the sheriff wants to change the wording of agreements now rather than on the contract’s closing date.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
The government fights the fly by breeding sterile male flies, which then mate with wild females that only mate once in their monthslong life.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
-
Tom's Watch Bar in Navy Yard and Public Bar Live in Dupont Circle are often regarded as two of the most popular places to watch UFC fights in the city.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Durso alleged that Valle was upset after the previous altercations and lost his cool when his friend’s vehicle was damaged by the crowd of youths who rocked and shook the vehicle Valle and his friends arrived in.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
-
Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Flanagan’s campaign argues this year’s will be different because Craig has skipped the convention altogether.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
-
Commentary and opinions The Republican assault on Obamacare has created a healthcare bloodbath, with worse yet to come, argues columnist Michael Hiltzik.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The pair traveled to Yellow Springs, Ohio, for the wide-ranging chat, which included candid discussions of Chappelle's early life, comedy career and his controversies with the LGBTQ community.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
-
The circumstances surrounding the exits vary, ranging from routine retirements, campus controversies, personal peccadillos, serious health issues, fractious relationships between campus leaders and governing boards, and visions of greener pastures.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Avoid going into crisis mode as the moon clashes with Pluto.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Azure Blue Azure blue also clashes with the warm, 3000K, soft white bulb that most of us prefer for a relaxing soak.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quarrels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quarrels. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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