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
• skirmish
• imbroglio
• disputation
• falling-out
• tiff
• wrangle
• feud
• set-to
• debate
• contretemps
• clash
• donnybrook
• battle royal
• tussle
• cross fire
• rhubarb
• kickup
• argy-bargy
• argle-bargle
• tangle
• difference
• scrap
• dissention
• run-in
• hassle
• protest
• logomachy
• vendetta
• contention
• dissension
• attack
• objection
• fisticuffs
• protestation
• mêlée
• 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

The House floor squabble was not the only confrontation in the Capitol on Thursday: As Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) delivered remarks about the Padilla incident — endorsing censure for the senator — a string of House Democrats heckled the Speaker. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 12 June 2025

As happens between siblings, Lucas added that squabbles are common in their house, but this moment stood out for its sweetness. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025

Verb

With Republicans squabbling over key provisions, Trump for the first time eased up on his previous ironclad demand that lawmakers get the bill to his desk by the Independence Day holiday. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025

Missouri legislators are set to squabble next week over whether to offer state aid for big-ticket sports stadium construction for both the Royals and the Chiefs. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025