Thesaurus results for ALTERCATION

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

altercation

noun

ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən

Definition of altercation next

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions judging from all the slamming and banging, I'd say there was some sort of altercation going on next door

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 altercation This is a repeat of the 2023 sketch where Mikey Day and Quinta Brunson had a traffic altercation. —

Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2024 The altercation, which involved multiple players, marred an otherwise great contest, in which Oakland blocked a field goal to preserve a 13-12 win. —

Tyler Palmateer, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 The altercation comes on the heels of Foxx revealing his recent health struggles in his Netflix special, What Happened Was. —

Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2024 The altercation occurred just after 10 p.m. Friday at Mr. Chow. —

Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for altercation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation

Noun

The neighbor whose property disputes require legal intervention rather than friendly conversation.

Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The dispute originated with a recurring issue in the River Valley when strong odors are emitted from a biowaste storage lagoon in the Arkansas River bottom in Crawford County.

Penny Weaver, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025