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
Could the modern classic sitcom about a group of disgruntled office workers' love affairs, friendships, falling outs, and petty squabbles be made today? Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 Rice’s attorney argued that prosecutors were unable to prove Rice’s whereabouts at the time of the murder and that their roommate squabbles were not significant enough for Rice to kill her. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 June 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 legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and pricing control.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The dispute over Mississippi's law dates back to 2024, when the Republican National Committee and Mississippi's Libertarian Party filed lawsuits challenging the ballot-receipt deadline.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Several weeks back, Clark and White were caught bickering during a timeout huddle against the expansion Portland Fire.
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
  • The plot centers on bickering couple Joe and Angela, who invite their noisy upstairs neighbors, Hawk and Piña, for dinner.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 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
  • While Blutinger was speaking, history professor Jonathan Roth attempted to take video of the protesters in the hallway and got into a physical altercation with a female student who tried to block him from doing so.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • During that altercation, the other person shot Perkins several times, police said.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Utah restricted fireworks and declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of July Fourth celebrations as the United States' largest wildfire expanded its reach across more tinder-dry forest, as crews rush to fight new blazes in the arid state.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026
  • Plata was fighting a pretty strong German defense and a hold on his jersey to get up there.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Given the patchy nature of Paleolithic evidence, this matter has provoked many disagreements, which began long before the publication of The Stone Age Diet.
    David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
  • At the same time, disagreements among friends may expose rivalries, mixed loyalties or gossip that has been circulating beneath the surface.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • 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 4 Jul. 2026.

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