QUARREL Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'quarrel' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quarrel are altercation , squabble , and wrangle . While all these words 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

Q: When would 'altercation' be a good substitute for 'quarrel'?

The words altercation and quarrel 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 'squabble' be used instead of 'quarrel'?

The synonyms squabble and quarrel are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is it sensible to use 'wrangle' instead of 'quarrel'?

While the synonyms wrangle and quarrel are close in meaning, wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions. // wrangle interminably about small issues

quarrel 1 of 2

noun

Definition of quarrel next

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions a loud quarrel erupted at the next table over

Synonyms & Similar Words

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quarrel

2 of 2

verb

as in to bicker

to express different opinions about something often angrily the coach and the referee quarreled about whether the ball was in bounds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun quarrel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quarrel are altercation, squabble, and wrangle. While all these words 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

When would altercation be a good substitute for quarrel?

The words altercation and quarrel 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 squabble be used instead of quarrel?

The synonyms squabble and quarrel are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is it sensible to use wrangle instead of quarrel?

While the synonyms wrangle and quarrel are close in meaning, wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of quarrel

Noun

The key is to keep communication clear and avoid overreacting to petty quarrels and misunderstandings. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024 The killer was Stephen Simmons, a tavern keeper who had been convicted of murdering his wife during a drunken quarrel. —

Dan Austin, Detroit Free Press, 23 Dec. 2024

Verb

The 35-year-old victim was quarreling with another man on Maple Ave. near Grove Ave. —

Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2024 But no one could quarrel with its timely message about how much ordinary folks suffer when bombs fall on civilian targets. —

Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for quarrel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrel

Noun

While In Office By Zoltan Istvan Author 0 Today, there are developers around the world working on creating artificial intelligence (AI) agents that can autonomously do millions of useful things, like book airline tickets, dispute credit card charges, and even trade crypto.

— Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
Witherspoon said the woman who stuck her hand into the dog fight lost the dispute.

— Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025