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

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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

Moments of belonging and love, from the laughter and meals shared to the inevitable squabbles, carry immense weight. —

Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 The Bene Gesserit trainees are defined only by their squabbles, and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, who plays the emperor’s rebellious daughter Princess Ynez, is a particular victim of the series’ simplistic dialogue. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Nov. 2024

Verb

But even if Secret Level viewers can’t just boot up a few rounds of Concord, this episode — a not-bad Guardians of the Galaxy knockoff about a squabbling spaceship crew on a mission to throw off the bonds of space capitalism — is one of the show’s more distinctive and breezy installments. —

Scott Meslow, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024 The differing outcomes for the freshman lawmakers and Johnson riled even the GOP's own caucus, who squabbled internally after several Republicans broke with the caucus to vote against expelling Johnson. —

Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 22 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squabble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble

Noun

City officials did not say what set off the dispute.

Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
The Logan Square taproom, which Ravinia Brewing opened in 2021, was at the center of its trademark dispute with Ravinia Festival.

Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025