squabble 1 of 2

squabble

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun squabble contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of squabble are altercation, quarrel, and wrangle. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," 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 could altercation be used to replace squabble?

The words altercation and squabble 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 quarrel be used instead of squabble?

While the synonyms quarrel and squabble are close in meaning, quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When is it sensible to use wrangle instead of squabble?

The words wrangle and squabble are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 squabble
Noun
As a Pueblo squad car pulls up alongside Joe, the tension crackles: a squabble about jurisdiction, a command for Joe to respect the mask mandate. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 17 July 2025 The Moon is opposite Mercury in your sign, and this can trigger petty squabbles. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 12 July 2025
Verb
Let the bromance begin, as Derringer and Clarke squabble their way back to the Western world, punching out hoodlums and escaping to Poland in the back of a livestock truck. Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 July 2025 After the verdict was read, the prosecution and defense squabbled over the matter, with Subramanian expected to make a decision later today. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for squabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble
Noun
  • Threads on the South Park subreddit and social media have lit up with foul-mouthed complaints from international fans, most of them directed at Paramount and David Ellison’s Skydance Media, whose $8 billion buyout of Paramount is at the heart of the South Park dispute.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • But there are still some sour grapes about the big tactical dispute in February.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Their repatriation comes amid accusations and bickering over whether either side had targeted civilians and breached the laws of war, and sharp nationalist feuding on social media.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Naturally, while bickering on the phone with each other, both encounter not only ghosts that curse people but also aliens trying to rebuild their race by abducting Earth women.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will also station retrograde in your communication sector (for the win), triggering misunderstandings and unnecessary quarrels with siblings or neighbors.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • According to writer and historian Geoffrey C. Ward, Johnson had his quarrels inside and outside the ring.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Lawyers for the National TPS Alliance argued that Noem's decisions were predetermined by President Donald Trump's campaign promises and motivated by racial animus.
    JANIE HAR, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2025
  • In its response to the lawsuit, the Trump administration argued the court did not have jurisdiction in reviewing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s determination to terminate TPS for the three countries.
    Churchill Ndonwie, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • During the altercation, a man pulled a gun and shot Ramirez.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
  • See Jackie Christie and Chantel’s unfortunate altercation above.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s tariffs are unpopular in polls, and businesses have fought them.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Unlike the Biden administration, Trump officials have not fought in the courts to preserve SAVE, and recently, Congress repealed the plan altogether.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The account, originally meant to help fund both of their college expenses, has now become the center of a family disagreement.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 31 July 2025
  • Some of the disagreement likely reflects jockeying to replace Powell, whose term ends in May 2026.
    Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The first is that when U.S. soldiers returned from the war there, protesters spat upon them in disdain.
    Jonathan Zimmerman, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2016
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squabble. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on squabble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!