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Synonym Chooser

How is the word quarrelsome distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quarrelsome are bellicose, belligerent, contentious, and pugnacious. While all these words mean "having an aggressive or fighting attitude," quarrelsome stresses an ill-natured readiness to fight without good cause.

the heat made us all quarrelsome

When might bellicose be a better fit than quarrelsome?

The words bellicose and quarrelsome can be used in similar contexts, but bellicose suggests a disposition to fight.

a drunk in a bellicose mood

In what contexts can belligerent take the place of quarrelsome?

Although the words belligerent and quarrelsome have much in common, belligerent often implies being actually at war or engaged in hostilities.

belligerent nations

When is it sensible to use contentious instead of quarrelsome?

While the synonyms contentious and quarrelsome are close in meaning, contentious implies perverse and irritating fondness for arguing and quarreling.

wearied by his contentious disposition

When can pugnacious be used instead of quarrelsome?

In some situations, the words pugnacious and quarrelsome are roughly equivalent. However, pugnacious suggests a disposition that takes pleasure in personal combat.

a pugnacious gangster

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 quarrelsome Stereophonic could be called a workplace drama, a quarrelsome family play or even an extended hangout, as much a vibe as a story. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The romantic pentagon’s members are quarrelsome, foolish, and discombobulated by the passage of time—characters often describe themselves as being a bore or a burden, or as having missed their moment. Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 The battlegrounds have also multiplied, from a few notoriously quarrelsome parent councils to traditionally peaceful spots around the city. Troy Closson, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024 The almost too-perfect sibling rivalry storyline marched on following the release of 2001’s Lions and a joint tour with fellow famously quarrelsome brother duo Oasis — winkingly called the Tour of Brotherly Love — after which the Crowes went on hiatus in 2002. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for quarrelsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrelsome
Adjective
  • Trump prompts a more aggressive digital posture Democrats adopted a more combative stance online in recent weeks as Trump’s moves to slash the federal workforce drew protests from liberals and pushback at GOP town halls.
    Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • As a result, teams are taking a more aggressive approach.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Given the timing, data about Wisconsin’s contentious judicial race is less plentiful than what might be on hand, say, during a presidential or midterm election.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The pair, who called it quits for the second time in August 2023, are still in the midst of their contentious divorce.
    Karen Fratti, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From Myanmar comes the story of a student turned insurgent who joined a militant guerilla group set on overthrowing the country’s military junta.
    The Dial, The Dial, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Israel ended its ceasefire with the Hamas militant group and renewed its air and ground war last month.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The outcome could be a litmus test for Trump's influence and the role of Musk's controversial Department of Government Efficiency.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • And if anything, the absence of the controversial Le Pen family name is a plus for the rest of the French electorate.
    Cole Stangler, Time, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Andreas typically waits until there have been three instances of potential hostile communication before asking her friend or colleague if everything is OK.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Home to one of the world’s largest refugee populations – most of them from Afghanistan – Pakistan has not always welcomed the foreigners, subjecting them to hostile living conditions and threatening deportation over the years.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday for Saturday, March 29, 2025: You are opinionated and stubborn.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Described by family as larger-than-life in personality and stature, the 6-foot-5-inch Wesley is remembered as a jovial, fiercely stubborn man with a quick wit and passion for advocacy.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Strong winds also may have North Texans feeling more irritable, which scientists blame on there being too many positive ions in the air.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Signs of overextension burnout include feeling emotionally drained, becoming irritable and struggling to focus—all of which can affect both your work and personal life.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This cell just across from some very belligerent grown-ass man?
    Marah Eakin, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Even if a bill collector is rude or becomes belligerent, keep your cool.
    Staff, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quarrelsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quarrelsome. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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