squabble 1 of 2

Definition of squabblenext

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
But kids are fickle creatures, and eventually got bored of those Eternian squabbles. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 June 2026 While passage of a budget is considered virtually inevitable despite internal squabbles, legislative action on a measure to keep the Bears from moving to Hammond, Indiana, is still being negotiated to satisfy a variety of interests. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
Verb
Cobb County and Mableton have been squabbling over police services. Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 June 2026 Then there are the lesser houses, the lower fiefdoms squabbling over the crumbs that fall from the big kids’ table. Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for squabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble
Noun
  • The dispute has opened a new front in a years-long fight over transparency at the shelter, which has faced multiple investigations into overcrowding, animal deaths and a sharp decline in transfers to rescue groups.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
  • As bitcoin becomes more involved in private contracts, treasury strategies, cross border settlement and business arrangements, disputes will not always arrive in court as dramatic stories about hacks or scams.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • King bickered with fans on social media.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
  • But Tilly and Gershon playfully bickered onstage as the former remembered things slightly differently, with Tilly saying the problem had more to do with a shot of her hand on Gershon's crotch that was deemed too realistic.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Noun
  • The victim got into a quarrel inside Bob’s Classic Barber Shop on Albany Ave.
    Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Srebnick, however, argued that the crash was a tragic accident — and did not amount to a crime.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
  • While some experts say the government should be involved in conversations about AI safety, others argue the result could stifle the industry.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Witnesses told the Nantucket Current that the stabbing followed a verbal and physical altercation between the driver of a Myles Reis garbage truck and the driver of a Sayles Seafood delivery truck that had parked in the area.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • Cartwright said statements from those involved explained that the victim and her mother were involved in a physical altercation.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Starmer has vowed to fight any leadership contest, deepening the sense of crisis within the Labour Party.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • Police said the bail agent and driver fought, and the agent fired one round, with the bullet striking the suspect in the arm.
    Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about sexuality, morality and identity.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
  • This is a strategic disagreement.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 18 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

“Squabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squabble. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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