Synonym Chooser

How does the noun altercation contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of altercation are quarrel, squabble, and wrangle. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

Where would quarrel be a reasonable alternative to altercation?

In some situations, the words quarrel and altercation are roughly equivalent. However, 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 squabble instead of altercation?

The meanings of squabble and altercation largely overlap; however, 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 would wrangle be a good substitute for altercation?

The words wrangle and altercation can be used in similar contexts, but 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 altercation The Memphis Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that Zachary Liberto, 30, was arrested following a verbal altercation with the priest about defacing the baptismal pool inside the church. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025 The day after Searchlight set a theatrical release date for Magazine Dreams, Majors was arrested following an altercation with his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. Mike Miller, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025 Police said an altercation happened between people before the shooting took place. 99. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025 The 18-year-old’s boyfriend was seen in the footage attempting to stop the altercation. Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for altercation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation
Noun
  • The eased transit visa rules can’t hide geopolitical differences between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as over economic policies and spying, among other disputes.
    Russell Flannery, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • According to Smith, police responded to a call about a dispute with a weapon at a home and then set up a perimeter outside the house after a man shut the door on officers.
    Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The basketball star has a reputation for being able to silence media noise in the most crucial moments, but the family element of this quarrel seems to have hit a little too close to home this time.
    Christian Orozco, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Carter’s eleventh-hour time line seems to be wrong, but the matter won’t be settled by these quarrels.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Early reviews have been positive, but can the positive buzz help audiences digest the poison apple that is Disney's Snow White controversy?
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The movie, which premieres March 21, has had its fair share of controversies throughout the production process — from Disney's choice to cast Zegler as Snow White to the studio being criticized for perpetuating stereotypes about dwarfs to rumors that Zegler and Gal Gadot don't get along.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In a Thursday, March 20 trailer, fans of Sister Wives got a sneak peek of what’s to come in the second half of season 19 — and further insight into Meri and Kody's disagreement concerning the Flagstaff, Ariz., compound.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • But there are a lot of obstacles to overcome first, such as sharp disagreements over territory and Ukraine's future security.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • What is first suspected to be bullying or some kind of fight gone wrong is quickly revealed to be an entirely new horror.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Can blue cities and states, nonprofits and good-hearted corporations keep up the fight without any federal help?
    Bill Weir, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Impressive set-pieces are sprinkled throughout, from a rip-roaring car chase to open the film and a later brawl between Irene and a pair of shady mechanics (Michael Manuel and Taylor Misiak).
    Stephen Saito, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
  • At the conclusion of the Jayhawks’ 4-3 win, the teams got into a huge on-ice brawl.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The three-judge panel heard arguments over whether Boasberg could impose restrictions on the Trump administration and whether the administration was correct in its arguments for the AEA's implementation.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Apologizing for your role in an argument—which doesn’t mean taking all of the blame—is a shortcut to a peaceful resolution.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Better to follow the West German example and achieve full NATO membership for independent Ukraine than to watch essential U.S. support dwindle as Congress bickers and Trump’s reelection odds increase.
    M. E. Sarotte, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2024
  • Meanwhile, Esmeralda bickers with her daughter Jacqueline (Tenley Stitzer), who’s terrified of nuclear war and obsessed with rocker David Lee Roth.
    Celia Wren, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Altercation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercation. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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