Thesaurus results for SQUABBLE

squabble 1 of 2

noun

ˈskwä-bəl

Definition of squabble

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions frightened by noise of the squabble, the cat hid under the couch

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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

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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

But the squabble over the Brooklyn Village development is another mark in the neighborhood’s history that’s riddled with government interference and disinvestment. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 Sleep was beginning to finally visit the insomniacs and drunkards of T—in central Manila when a commotion louder than the usual domestic squabbles erupted from the room above Mang Calixto’s bakery. — Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026

Verb

With supply shrinking, the states continue squabbling. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Parties generally avoid this kind of squabbling in wide-open governor’s races by letting the candidates compete and seeing who wins the primary, said Gregory Koger, a political science professor at the University of Miami. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for squabble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabble

Noun

Witnesses told police the suspects got into a dispute with the victim at his car and shot him.

— Jason Green, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
For many in Canada, the dispute raises concerns about American interference with Canada’s national identity.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dispute

Verb

There’s striker Josie Gordon, bickering twin sisters Siobhan and Niamh, glove-shunning goalie Katie ‘Boots’ Quinn and couple Maddie and Margy.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Still bloody in last night’s clothing, the two fill a cart with candy and bicker contentedly about the state of the candy industry—arguably also a wink at the state of film.

— JP Mangalindan, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of bicker

Noun

Based on a Joseph Conrad story, the period drama follows two officers in Napoleon’s army (Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel) whose minor quarrel condemns them to 15 years of repeatedly trying to kill each other.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
As the quarrel escalated, the man stabbed her multiple times all over her body in the park near Eastern Parkway and Rochester Ave.

— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of quarrel

Verb

Opponents argue that the nation that won its independence from Denmark in 1944 enjoys all the benefits of European integration with no drawbacks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Independent investigators, including the late doctor and whistleblower Gao Yaojie, argued the actual number could be much higher.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of argue

Noun

Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh praised Natasha Cloud after she was involved in a verbal altercation with Enes Kanter Freedom.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
According to preliminary findings, the incident stemmed from an altercation between the victim and an adult female at the scene.

— CBS News Miami Digital Team, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of altercation

Verb

That’s exactly what happened with money market funds, another savings instrument that the banks fought using questionable arguments, only to be proven wrong.

— Omid Malekan, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
The team comes up with scenarios in which Emi fights a mech or battles yakuza in the clouds, and the fights defy expectations.

— Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fight

Verb

Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
Preparation has cultural and regional variations, but the seed is usually chewed with slaked lime and betel leaves, and chewing releases a red juice that's often then spat out.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of spat

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squab

squabble

squabbled

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“Squabble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squabble. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of squabble

noun

verb

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