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
Space multiple feeders out of sight to avoid hummingbird squabbles. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 June 2025 In fact, here are four reasons why the Trump-Musk blowup is probably closer to something like a family squabble than anything that would cause right-wing media to fracture in a major way: 1. Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
Let the bromance begin, as Derringer and Clarke squabble their way back to the Western world, punching out hoodlums and escaping to Poland in the back of a livestock truck. Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 July 2025 After the verdict was read, the prosecution and defense squabbled over the matter, with Subramanian expected to make a decision later today. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for squabble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble
Noun
  • But there are still some sour grapes about the big tactical dispute in February.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
  • Threads on the South Park subreddit and social media have lit up with foul-mouthed complaints from international fans, most of them directed at Paramount and David Ellison’s Skydance Media, whose $8 billion buyout of Paramount is at the heart of the South Park dispute.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • For months, top state officials have been bickering about how best to deport people and positioning for Trump’s approval in the upcoming 2026 midterm races for governor, attorney general and other key positions.
    Katelyn Ferral, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
  • In the days leading up to the decision, bickering among jury members appeared to delay the verdict.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will also station retrograde in your communication sector (for the win), triggering misunderstandings and unnecessary quarrels with siblings or neighbors.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 July 2025
  • According to writer and historian Geoffrey C. Ward, Johnson had his quarrels inside and outside the ring.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Critics will argue that normalization is politically suicidal for any Pakistani leader.
    Jack Rosen, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
  • But Hunter was quick to refute this claim, arguing that at large events where the president is meeting several people, introductions are the norm.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • During the altercation, a man pulled a gun and shot Ramirez.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
  • See Jackie Christie and Chantel’s unfortunate altercation above.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The tribe also has fought to preserve shrinking numbers of the c'waam and koptu, two fish species central to the three tribal cultures that form the tribe.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
  • Experts say the relatively simple way to survive this current is to float, stay as calm as possible and don’t fight it.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Internal disagreements among board members further complicate SDC's situation.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
  • Because of this, students should note that the topic of the disagreement matters far less than how the disagreement illuminates the student’s capacity for reflection, listening, and growth.
    Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 17 July 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 29 Jul. 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!