Synonyms of squabble

squabble 1 of 2

noun

ˈskwä-bəl 

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

frightened by noise of the squabble, the cat hid under the couch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispute
• quarrel
• altercation
• bicker
• disagreement
• controversy
• fight
• argument
• brawl
• misunderstanding
• spat
• row
• imbroglio
• skirmish
• falling-out
• disputation
• tiff
• wrangle
• feud
• set-to
• debate
• contretemps
• clash
• donnybrook
• battle royal
• tussle
• cross fire
• rhubarb
• kickup
• argy-bargy
• argle-bargle
• tangle
• difference
• scrap
• run-in
• hassle
• protest
• logomachy
• vendetta
• contention
• dissension
• attack
• objection
• fisticuffs
• protestation
• catfight
• fuss
• fracas
• melee
• affray
• fray
• free-for-all

squabble

2 of 2

verb

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily

the children squabbled loudly over who got to play with the toy first

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bicker
• argue
• fight
• quarrel
• spat
• brawl
• dispute
• clash
• wrangle
• debate
• quibble
• row
• scrap
• tiff
• fall out
• discuss
• controvert
• hassle
• jar
• altercate
• mix it up
• argufy
• brabble
• lock horns
• contest
• butt heads
• bandy words
• dare
• contend
• challenge
• tangle
• protest
• fuss
• cavil
• object
• defy
• nitpick
• kick
• consider

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• get along
• agree
• coexist
• accept
• concur
• consent
• assent

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

Recent Examples of squabble

Noun

And for the time being, Gaile Osborne won't have to worry about the legislative squabbles affecting her daughter's care. —Bram Sable-Smith, NPR, 23 Dec. 2025

Sapp told police he was initially frustrated that Sanon was on her cell phone, but that the squabble escalated when Sanon became upset that Sapp wouldn’t give her $300. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

Verb

This go-around hasn’t been much different as the party squabbled over which of their numerous health care proposals should receive a vote. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2025

The Vernon Point Neighborhood Association is a passionate bunch, whether squabbling over historically inaccurate porch railings or debating trash can protocol. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025