squabble 1 of 2

squabble

2 of 2

verb

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

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 squabble
Noun
Simon Johnson Whatever happened to the ownership squabble between Clearlake and Boehly during an international break pre-Christmas? Liam Twomey, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Kim and Kourtney Kardashian are getting into yet another fashion squabble. Catherine Santino, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
If the reports are true that the Avs and Rantanen were squabbling over a $500,000 difference in annual salary, then C-Mac and Super Joe might’ve just kissed the rest of MacKinnon’s career peak goodbye. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 May 2025 The same day that Patel appeared before the Senate, a meeting of the Democratic National Committee began in Maryland, where officials squabbled over rules, were flattered by MSNBC hosts, and did not dare suggest that Biden ought not to have remained in the race for so long. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble
Noun
  • Lee-Gardner became involved in the dispute and is accused of hitting the homeowner in her head with a pistol.
    Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025
  • This dispute is one of several signs revealing a worsening relationship between the two leaders, reflecting broader disagreements on Iran, regional conflicts, economic policy, and diplomatic priorities.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • There’s a genuine brother-and-sister warmth between the Andy and Piper characters in Bring Her Back — and plenty of sibling bickering too.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 30 May 2025
  • Yet a design challenge is a smart choice to assign this particular group of queens because that means locking them in the workroom to bicker between assembling garments.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • The defense attorney suggested that Cassie’s rape allegation stemmed from a complicated quarrel playing out as their decade-plus relationship came to an end.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 16 May 2025
  • Other great powers will have their territorial goals and quarrels and this does not normally concern you.
    Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • Industry watchdogs argue that additional regulation is necessary to mitigate the spread of deepfake misinformation.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 3 June 2025
  • The Entertainment Union Coalition argues that the bill will also help retain the existing workforce, which otherwise would continue to erode.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Jaques said officers at 7:49 a.m. on Sunday received a complaint from a woman who reported that someone was following her vehicle while waving a gun following an altercation at a local gas station.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2025
  • The shooting stemmed from an altercation during a private Memorial Day weekend gathering on a charter boat in Little River, a community of about 11,000 people situated along the Intracoastal Waterway near the North Carolina state line, police said.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Holland has been one of the more active UFC competitors since losing that contest by decision, fighting at middleweight and welterweight.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The Lions fought hard in the second half but ultimately could not find enough to earn a result.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • The suit recounts numerous comments made by Trump and the White House attacking PBS’ content, to underscore the point that the defunding is motivated by disagreement over speech.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 May 2025
  • The question – at the center of disagreements over transgender athletes’ participation in sports – has echoed from high school running tracks to Olympic arenas as lawmakers and sports bodies face intense pressure to weigh in on a debate over what fair play looks like.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The first is that when U.S. soldiers returned from the war there, protesters spat upon them in disdain.
    Jonathan Zimmerman, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2016
  • The flare comes after nearly a week of flares and coronal plasma ejections spat toward the planet that threatened disruptions to power and communications systems on Earth.
    Greg Wehner, Fox News, 15 May 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squabble. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on squabble

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!