quarrel

1 of 3

noun (1)

quar·rel ˈkwȯr(-ə)l

ˈkwär(-ə)l

Synonyms of quarrel next

: a square-headed bolt or arrow especially for a crossbow

quarrel

2 of 3

noun (2)

: a ground of dispute or complaint

have no quarrel with a different approach

: a usually verbal conflict between antagonists : altercation

quarrel

3 of 3

verb

quarreled or quarrelled; quarreling or quarrelling

intransitive verb

: to find fault

many people quarrel with the idea—

Johns Hopkins Magazine

: to contend or dispute actively

quarreled frequently with his superiors—

London Calling

quarreler noun

or quarreller

Choose the Right Synonym for quarrel

quarrel, wrangle, altercation, squabble mean a noisy dispute usually marked by anger.

quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

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

Examples of quarrel in a Sentence

Noun (2) a loud quarrel erupted at the next table over Verb The children quarrel all the time. She and her husband are always quarreling about money. I don't want to quarrel with you.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Noun

The early attack foreshadowed years of quarrels between the two, one a political novice and the other a veteran machine politician. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2024 Daemon has sent no ravens since his arrival; no ravens means a quarrel with the wife. —

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 7 July 2024

Verb

Rather than quarrel over contending strategic doctrines, academics, pundits, think tankers, and policymakers should focus on more pragmatic forms of problem solving. —

Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 13 Apr. 2020 Hans Castorp’s companions at the sanatorium’s five lavish daily meals are a cosmopolitan and macabre gallery of mostly young people who fill the endless hours gossiping, flirting, quarreling, philosophizing, and waiting to recover or die. —

George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quarrel

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, square block of stone, bolt, from Vulgar Latin *quadrellum, diminutive of Latin quadrum square — more at quadrate

Noun (2)

Middle English querele, from Anglo-French, from Latin querela grievance, complaint, from queri to complain

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of quarrel was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Quarrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarrel. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

quarrel

1 of 2 noun

quar·rel ˈkwȯr(-ə)l

ˈkwär(-ə)l

: a cause of dispute or complaint

: an angry difference of opinion : dispute

quarrel

2 of 2 verb

quarreled or quarrelled; quarreling or quarrelling

: to find fault

I quarrel with your version of what happened

: to argue forcefully or loudly : squabble

quarreler noun

or quarreller

Last Updated: 26 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

scintilla

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

quarrel

noun (1)

noun (2)

verb

Synonyms

Examples of quarrel in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near quarrel

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition