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squabble

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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
The squabble, between offensive lineman Josh Simmons and defensive end Ashton Gillotte, was caught on camera by KCTV5 reporter Mark Poulose on Tuesday, July 29, and the footage shows Kelce, 35, helping to break up the fight. Natasha Dye, People.com, 29 July 2025 From her career beginnings alongside Ansel Elgort in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, through her recent starring role in Jamie Lloyd’s Evita, Zegler’s public narrative has been defined not by her (immense) talent but by various tangential squabbles. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 July 2025
Verb
This year's ceremony includes some heavy hitters squabbling up for the night's top honors, including Kendrick Lamar who leads the pack with 10 nominations, and Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla coming close behind with with six nominations each. Mekishana Pierre Updated, EW.com, 10 June 2025 President Trump headed to Capitol Hill Tuesday to push squabbling Republican members of Congress in person to set aside differences and pass his sprawling budget bill including deep cuts in spending and taxes. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for squabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble
Noun
  • Tennessee Attorney General investigation raises questions about Nashville Church of Christ financial dealings and income through parking lots, while case against Grant disputes deed restriction.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Since 2022, the number of films and TV shows made in the United States had dropped by about 40 percent, thanks to ballooning production costs at home, competition from overseas, and long-running labor disputes everywhere.
    Zoë Schiffer, Wired News, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sunny and Ulla have a tendency to bicker, and each can resort to brandishing cultural stereotypes as a cudgel when arguing with the other.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2025
  • That was the thing that gave us the ability to feel quite free in the scenes — not changing the words or changing the sense of the scene — but trust trying different things, having that bickering back and forth, finding that easygoing relationship between the two of them.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • After getting into a quarrel with the passenger, Millise stabbed him in the right torso and slashed the left side of his face with a knife.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025
  • In particular, Trump‘s jaw-dropping Feb. 28 quarrel with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ushered in a stampede away from Arizona.
    Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The media company argued that the statements were not fabricated.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Some animal rights groups argued the decision sets a dangerous precedent, including Bear Defenders, a campaign to oppose the expansion of bear hunting in Florida.
    Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • While a competitive edge — even among teammates — is encouraged during NFL training camps, no one wants to see the quarterback involved in physical altercations.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Those involved in the altercation fled before police arrived, Gonzalez said.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To move the 250 million gallons of refined fuel the Navy needs to fight, the fleet will require at least 23 tankers.
    Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Two engines and one hand crew are all continuing to fight the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Her number one tip to successfully co-parent is keep the focus on the kids and avoid letting disagreements get in the way.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The episode begins with Lisa and Larsa at each other’s throats, not letting go of their disagreement over Jody texting Larsa.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Preparation has cultural and regional variations, but the seed is usually chewed with slaked lime and betel leaves, and chewing releases a red juice that's often then spat out.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Squabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squabble. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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