quarrel 1 of 2

Definition of quarrelnext

quarrel

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun quarrel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quarrel are altercation, squabble, and wrangle. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When would altercation be a good substitute for quarrel?

The words altercation and quarrel 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 squabble be used instead of quarrel?

The synonyms squabble and quarrel are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is it sensible to use wrangle instead of quarrel?

While the synonyms wrangle and quarrel are close in meaning, wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

How does the noun quarrel contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of quarrel are altercation, squabble, and wrangle. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When would altercation be a good substitute for quarrel?

The words altercation and quarrel 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 squabble be used instead of quarrel?

The synonyms squabble and quarrel are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 is it sensible to use wrangle instead of quarrel?

While the synonyms wrangle and quarrel are close in meaning, 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 quarrel
Noun
This disagreement became our favorite quarrel. Elisa Wouk Almino editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 The Department of Defense’s quarrel with the Anthropic began after the company refused to back down over contractual guardrails around the use of its Claude AI model in autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. Devan Cole, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
The three bills also are not the first headline-grabbing action from Schroer, who serves as chair of the Senate’s hard-right Freedom Caucus, which frequently quarrels with GOP leadership. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026 Her father, after quarreling with Antigone’s mother, locked her out of their house overnight, which led to a terrible accident. Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quarrel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrel
Noun
  • Instead of postponing filming to resolve the labor dispute, producers pushed forward, crew members alleged.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Those discussions ended without a breakthrough, leaving core disputes unresolved — including the scope of Iran's nuclear activities and the conditions for ending the war that began in February.
    Sara Cook, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Against the backdrop of an island honeymoon, the two men clash and bicker before gradually uncovering an unexpected bond.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
  • For those of us interested in governing and not bickering, this is a good thing.
    Gail Slater, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The altercation was also caught on video, Kenny said.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Though the arrest took place in 2023, the incident made headlines again in March after a video of the altercation — showing Paul yelling, putting Mortensen in a headlock and throwing chairs at him while a child could be heard crying — was published by TMZ.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Democrats are demanding that Mills also be expelled, arguing similar conduct should have similar outcomes.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Arteta and his Arsenal squad have, of course, downplayed the noise around the club this season, arguing that the widespread mocking doesn’t impact the inner sanctum of the team.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ongoing military activity in the Middle East and disagreements over Iran’s control of key shipping routes have left the diplomatic effort vulnerable to collapse before the talks even begin.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The disagreement has also offered a preview of politics on the city’s newest Democratic body.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Mike Judd, a lawyer for a coalition of media organizations including The Associated Press that are fighting to preserve access, said Graf so far has focused on whether his rules inside the courtroom are being followed, not what the media is saying outside of court.
    Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Ackman is famous for fighting his way through deals; launching aggressive campaigns that invest in companies and force management to adopt measures like cutting costs or spinning off assets.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Chavez-DeRemer’s departure came as several controversies were surrounding her, her office and her family members.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The all-gender bathrooms have been a source of controversy for some conservatives.
    Jack Harvel April 20, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Callie and Arizona: Another couple spatting over kids.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Mulroney, Ackerman, Snow, and Newman turn this story of spatting WAGS into an explosive, addictive watch.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Quarrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/quarrel. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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