1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
wouldn't be a cricket match without a little argy-bargy over the umpire's every call
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the perennial argy-bargy over whether the monarchy should be abolished
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 argy-bargy
Now all that manic football, the back-and-forth, the argy-bargy, the disputed, disallowed or not-given penalties, the unrelenting and unforgiving pace, were distilled into this moment and Arsenal were bearing down.
—
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argy-bargy
Noun
-
Progress appeared to be very little, as Iran has sought to limit the discussions to solely its nuclear program.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Through both press conferences and private discussions, a number of topics are broached including public safety, but Dumont casts them aside.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Today the Moon in your sign is at odds with fiery Mars, hinting at domestic quarrels and problems.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But whether our collective desire has been sated is up for (a lot of) debate.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The Berlinale has long been considered a forum for political expression and a crucible for debate about important world affairs, but avoiding political comment has seemingly been a trend at this year’s event, whether by chance, design or out of fear.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
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
Noun
-
Edwards said decisions involving a ransom are always up to the family and that the FBI can help provide consultation.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The rhinoplasty process begins with a detailed consultation.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Then, with many on the court at this point, Stewart came rushing off the Pistons’ bench to confront Bridges, throwing a punch as their altercation became the focal point of the madness on the hardwood.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
At that point, an altercation ensued, and everyone was eventually forced outside, and the staff shut the door, according to court documents.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Emily Hemendinger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
-
As an industry analyst, author Bob O’Donnell works and consults with a wide range of tech companies, including T-Mobile.—
Bob O'Donnell,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This is not necessarily a disagreement with the party itself, but with certain practices that limit openness.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Debates and disagreements have gotten personal.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
