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

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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

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 altercation In 2010, the Disney Channel alum pulled out of their supporting act gig on the Jonas Brothers' Live in Concert tour after an altercation with a dancer led to Lovato seeking treatment for mental health issues. —

Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 Both Proctor’s former partner and the bar employee who was in an altercation with Glenn shortly before the fatal encounter testified against Proctor, according to the transcripts. —

Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 State police investigators believe Logan was stabbed during an altercation at a home in Thompson. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid and Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye were ejected Monday night after an altercation early in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's 138-116 win. —

CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for altercation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation

Noun

But before the action alights in the location of the latest dispute between adjacent property owners to catch the eye of directors Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford (yes, grandson of Robert), the shot fills with the telltale red, white and blue of the American flag.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
While Japan has seized fishing vessels from South Korea and Taiwan in recent years, the incident is the first involving a vessel from China since 2022 and comes against the backdrop of a major diplomatic dispute between the countries.

— Reuters, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of dispute

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altercation

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“Altercation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercation. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of altercation

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