spat 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spatnext
as in altercation
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions like any couple, they have their spats

Synonyms & Similar Words

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spat

2 of 2

verb

as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily we tend to spat over money more than anything else

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 spat
Noun
In other words, the spat wasn’t merely about sales or creativity. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026 During his performance, the MC set aside time to share his thoughts on apparent spats with a few fellow rappers in a new freestyle. — Caché McClay, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
The flare comes after nearly a week of flares and coronal plasma ejections spat toward the planet that threatened disruptions to power and communications systems on Earth. — Greg Wehner, Fox News, 15 May 2024 Israeli media reported that coalition lawmaker Simcha Rothman had joined a Sukkot march during which ultra-Orthodox Jews spat at churches. — Julia Frankel The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for spat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spat
  1. altercation
  2. bicker
  3. dispute
  4. argue
  5. quarrel
  6. fight
  7. controversy
  8. brawl
Noun
  • The altercation between Adebayo and Herro was sparked by recent comments apparently made by Herro on social media critiquing Adebayo and also showing some resentment toward Adebayo.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • Sometime after the altercation, the deceased male and another unknown man saw the shooter in the food court and attacked him.
    — Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of altercation
Verb
  • People like to bicker over the exact definition, but thru-hiking generally refers to backpacking a long-distance trail in a continuous fashion, often for weeks or months at a time.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
  • Hikers bicker over the exact definition, but the core idea is a continuous backpacking trip on a long trail.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of bicker
Noun
  • According to the Daily Mail, Baldoni and Swift actually communicated after the end of his dispute with Lively, and the two now share a code word when talking about the issue.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026
  • The agreement resolve some disputes as state regulators continue hearing evidence that will determine what millions of customers ultimately pay for electricity.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of dispute
Verb
  • The defense had argued to delay the hearing, saying in court filings this spring the high volume of discovery meant Robinson’s attorneys would be unable to adequately prepare.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proponents argue recordings would solve a long-standing crisis that leaves many proceedings with no verbatim record.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of argue
Noun
  • As the quarrel escalated he was stabbed repeatedly in the arm.
    — John Annese, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026
  • Candi is the family mediator Like any father-daughter coaching dynamic, Corey and Coco have had their fair share of quarrels on the tennis court.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of quarrel
Verb
  • The king successfully fought a hundred men and emerged victorious, but not before killing Antinous in Sinon’s name.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
  • Rhodes fought out of it and dodged a running boot from Gunther.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • The difference between those projects and the 27 data centers that already exist or are being built in Miami-Dade (including three newcomers that have drawn controversy) is the size.
    — Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • The data centers were initially built to train and run xAI's Grok AI models and chatbot, which was steeped in controversy.
    — Lora Kolodny,Jeniece Pettitt, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of controversy
Verb
  • After the match, Nightingale and Thekla brawled in the ring while Divine Dominion attacked Hart and Skye Blue.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • English soccer fans have earned a reputation for violent hooliganism, hurling plastic chairs and brawling their way across the piazzas and boulevards of Europe.
    — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of brawl

Browse Nearby Words

spastic paralysis
spat
spate
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Cite this Entry

“Spat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spat. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spat

Nglish: Translation of spat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spat

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