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
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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
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Recent Examples of argy-bargy
Perhaps this explains why there was none of the needle associated with those recent encounters, including the Carabao Cup first-round clash in August 2024 that again ended in a bout of argy-bargy sparked by a 92nd-minute clash between Sydie Peck and Jack Marriott.
—
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argy-bargy
Noun
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Much of that discussion still assumes people become stable immediately after leaving addiction treatment programs.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
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The moral question is the one that such a museum should strive to offer some kind of discussion.—
Samuel S. Flax,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Noun
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In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
10 May 2026
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As the trio quarrels, bonds and ventures through the wild unknown, Felix discovers that true bravery may change not only his own destiny, but also the future of his home.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The measure triggered a storm of publicity and a nationwide debate over the merits of using local ordinances to control gun ownership, but was upheld in 1984 by the Illinois Supreme Court.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
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Netflix's new true crime documentary The Crash has reignited the debate around Mackenzie Shirilla, who was convicted of killing her boyfriend Dominic Russo and their friend Davion Flanagan in a 2022 crash.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Noun
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With the indictment now dismissed, the administration could argue there are fewer procedural barriers preventing another removal effort, though Xinis still retains authority over the injunction dispute unless the 4th Circuit intervenes.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
22 May 2026
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Prosecutors argued that Daniel Sikkema orchestrated the killing from New York amid a bitter divorce and custody dispute involving the couple’s son.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Many also offer free or low-cost initial consultations, but acting quickly matters.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
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In addition to her daily schedule of operations and consultations, there are interns to train and a clinic renovation to oversee.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
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The argument escalates into a physical altercation, with the two characters coming to blows in the middle of the newsroom.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.—
Kimberly Turner,
The Conversation,
22 May 2026
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The next steps are psychological consults, a physical exam, uterine evaluation and blood work.—
Ann Marie Luft,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Noun
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No sub-tweeting, no digs in the press, just two dudes with a minor disagreement hashing it out man-to-man and then moving on.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
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The problem is that many important workplace skills are developed through discussion, disagreement, collaboration, and questioning other people.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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