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
The process, however, became bogged down amid a squabble between the crypto industry and the banking sector that escalated when Armstrong said on Wednesday that Coinbase would pull its support for the bill in response to last minute changes, before sounding a more conciliatory tone the next day. Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026 With Heaven on Top’s rollout was supposed to be about making a break from the infamy of Bryan’s year or so of concerning headlines about allegations of emotional abuse from his Barstoolite ex Brianna Chickenfry, his mysterious black eye, and his squabbles on-camera in a bar and at a music festival. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
We’re left to squabble online and refresh the news. Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026 Democrats plan to put affordability front and center in November, as Republicans squabble over how to make property tax reform their answer to the problem. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble
Noun
  • The ruling advances Chiles toward resolving a dispute marked by errors that cost her the floor exercise bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Games.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • The company added programmers’ streaming applications in Spectrum’s expanded basic packages to lower churn and had a slight bump in signups when Disney channels were unavailable for YouTube TV subscribers during a recent carriage dispute.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ho Jin's mom and self proclaimed dad bicker over his grandfather's books.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Much of the comedy in this action-comedy arrives via barbed exchanges between the constantly bickering James and Jonny.
    Richard Kuipers, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the quarrels that divided Minneapolis city leaders only a few weeks ago, over policing or Gaza or the budget, have faded as people have come together to oppose ICE.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
  • After all, this dispute is a business quarrel, rather than a personal one; while the lawsuit involves a college and a student, it’s better understood as a team trying to keep its star quarterback.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The opposition People Power Party, however, argues that the National Assembly must ratify the trade deal due to the exorbitant costs involved.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The overriding factor, Tait argued, is the global debt burden.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • On Tuesday, Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky said city police were working with Hays CISD to collect witness statements and video evidence from students who were present during the altercation.
    Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026
  • But there is a time and a place, and becoming embroiled in a physical altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before leading your country in an international is neither the right time nor the right place.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Graham, in particular, has been on a war path over the negotiations, accusing Republicans of not fighting hard enough to reclaim the narrative on immigration after the death of Alex Pretti last weekend.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski said Lemon plans to plead innocent and fight the charges in Minnesota.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The episode has punctured Preckwinkle’s reputation for managerial skill — a primary reason this page has endorsed her in previous elections despite some disagreements with other aspects of her record.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has demanded a resolution to the two countries’ long-standing disagreements about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
    Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 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 6 Feb. 2026.

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