Synonym Chooser

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 Officers believe there was an altercation that led to the shooting, DiMartino said. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025 In July 2023, the estranged couple got into an altercation after Lindsay wanted to hop on the family's private jet to spend time with her new boyfriend in the Bahamas. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025 The altercation appears to have stemmed from a dispute over whether jewelry Martin had sold to Washington was authentic or fake. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2025 The charge Kendrick pleaded guilty to originated from a jailhouse altercation in June 2024. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for altercation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation
Noun
  • Book dispute is one of three religious rights cases The case is one of three religious rights cases the Supreme Court is deciding in the coming weeks, and appears likely to be part of a recent trend of the court siding with religious rights advocates.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • At this point, supporter opposition to the Egyptian venture appeared to have ulterior reasoning, beyond the dispute about Mashhour’s comments, owing to the club’s recent performance on the pitch.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The quarrel escalated into a fight, and Hernandez was stabbed multiple times in the abdomen, cops said.
    Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
  • As the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks squabble over Cyprus in the background, the men before us quarrel over everything—a woman, a job, a handkerchief.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Now, with the controversy behind him, Benn has the opportunity to finally face Eubank in the ring.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the controversy, for the Hilton, that doesn't change the imperative to serve.
    Major Garrett, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Leaders who create space for disagreement without judgment build greater trust, psychological safety and strategic cohesion.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • In video shared by The Associated Press, Grassley faces a room of Iowans who are at times shouting in disagreement about some of the Trump administration's policies.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The 27-year-old’s striking was on point throughout the fight.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • According to Fox 4 News, Anthony, who is Black, is accused of stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was white during a fight at Kuykendall Stadium.
    Oumou Fofana, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • With Sam’s help, the team learns that a military contractor has been committing war crimes (and murdering to cover it up), which launches a massive brawl aboard a ship full of very bad Russians.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Gregory, who became known as Gregory the Great, had reasons to advance such an argument.
    Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Combs’ defense team made arguments for delaying the trial up to two months, but the judge was not swayed.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Better to follow the West German example and achieve full NATO membership for independent Ukraine than to watch essential U.S. support dwindle as Congress bickers and Trump’s reelection odds increase.
    M. E. Sarotte, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2024
  • Meanwhile, Esmeralda bickers with her daughter Jacqueline (Tenley Stitzer), who’s terrified of nuclear war and obsessed with rocker David Lee Roth.
    Celia Wren, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Altercation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercation. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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