as in disputes
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
frightened by noise of the squabble, the cat hid under the couch
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in bickers
to express different opinions about something often angrily
the children squabbled loudly over who got to play with the toy first
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squabbles
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 June 2026
While passage of a budget is considered virtually inevitable despite internal squabbles, legislative action on a measure to keep the Bears from moving to Hammond, Indiana, is still being negotiated to satisfy a variety of interests.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
But as that dream inches closer to reality, legal squabbles are clouding that momentum.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Just yesterday, the USGA rolled out a pilot phase for Rules AI, aiming to spare golfers from the endless squabbles over sprinkler-head relief and the other rulebook conundrums that inevitably arise during a round.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
But even the past shows signs of treading water, with the team returning to schoolgirl squabbles while their survival isn’t in immediate danger.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
Locals are happy to regale you with tales of family squabbles and fishing exploits at any of the seaside watering holes.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
Season two is largely about power dynamics and money squabbles between players, co-workers, family members and friends.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
The playground squabbles should be sorted out with a good clout round to the head.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
But kids are fickle creatures, and eventually got bored of those Eternian squabbles.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 1 June 2026
While passage of a budget is considered virtually inevitable despite internal squabbles, legislative action on a measure to keep the Bears from moving to Hammond, Indiana, is still being negotiated to satisfy a variety of interests.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
But as that dream inches closer to reality, legal squabbles are clouding that momentum.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Just yesterday, the USGA rolled out a pilot phase for Rules AI, aiming to spare golfers from the endless squabbles over sprinkler-head relief and the other rulebook conundrums that inevitably arise during a round.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
But even the past shows signs of treading water, with the team returning to schoolgirl squabbles while their survival isn’t in immediate danger.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
Locals are happy to regale you with tales of family squabbles and fishing exploits at any of the seaside watering holes.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
Season two is largely about power dynamics and money squabbles between players, co-workers, family members and friends.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
The playground squabbles should be sorted out with a good clout round to the head.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabbles
Noun
-
His brief tenure was characterized by disputes with the president over North Korea, Iran and Ukraine.—
Eric Tucker,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Community associations have found themselves in the spotlight recently with headlines about rising maintenance fees, contentious board decisions, and disputes between residents and leadership.—
Niurys Robaina,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
Verb
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The pope, played by Samora la Perdida, is a mincing oaf who bickers with Galas about the value of translating Wagner.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The welcome is relaxed and warm while the flamboyant decor fights to charm you.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
An Army official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said soldiers who were fans of UFC fights and who meet Army standards were given a preference, which the official said is standard practice for such events.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Internal disagreements over strategy, including the role of tech donors, also emerged as a key reason Mahan failed to take off.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
7 June 2026
-
The disagreements seem to be one-way in that the sheriff wants to change the wording of agreements now rather than on the contract’s closing date.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Flanagan’s campaign argues this year’s will be different because Craig has skipped the convention altogether.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
29 May 2026
-
Commentary and opinions The Republican assault on Obamacare has created a healthcare bloodbath, with worse yet to come, argues columnist Michael Hiltzik.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Durso alleged that Valle was upset after the previous altercations and lost his cool when his friend’s vehicle was damaged by the crowd of youths who rocked and shook the vehicle Valle and his friends arrived in.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
-
Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Avoid going into crisis mode as the moon clashes with Pluto.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Azure Blue Azure blue also clashes with the warm, 3000K, soft white bulb that most of us prefer for a relaxing soak.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squabbles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squabbles. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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