SQUABBLE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

squabble 1 of 2

noun

ˈskwä-bəl

Definition of squabble next

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

Relevance

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

Ignore petty squabbles with siblings and relatives; these are temporary. —

Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2024 Yes, but: When Portland police officers took him to jail, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell refused to book him — leading to a back-and-forth squabble with the mayor. —

Meira Gebel, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024

Verb

This make its vicious characters seem pathetic by the end, as though the roles they were pushed into by forces greater than themselves — their fathers, their lineage, their financial circumstances — have all but reduced them to squabbling children. —

Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 10 Sep. 2024 The campaigns have publicly squabbled over the debate schedule since Harris took over the Democratic ticket. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squabble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble

Noun

The paper trail is your best defense in case of disputes later on.

Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
In noting that any outcome of the trial would be appealed by the losing side, Ezra effectively acknowledged Abbott's assertion at the start of the legal dispute.

John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024