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
While Lurie did not say what started the fight, video from a nearby security camera showed the quarrel unfold in an alley off Larkin Street called Cedar Street. J.d. Morris, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Mar. 2026 Herro posted a photo of that autographed Durant jersey on his Instagram on Sunday, acknowledging his respect for Durant hours after Saturday’s quarrel. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Lydon’s revelation comes after years of quarreling with guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Glen Matlock, and drummer Paul Cook. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025 For the past seven months, SDC has quarreled with state officials and lawmakers over its community action agency title. Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quarrel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrel
Noun
  • The high-profile dispute has, over the past year and a half, ensnared several other celebrities in Lively and Baldoni's orbit as the discovery process in their case exposed the stars' private communications.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Owens had expressed frustrations to her mother about an ongoing dispute with her neighbor Susan Lorincz that dated back to February 2022.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Jenna is frustrated at his lack of seriousness, and Daisy wishes her department would stop bickering for once.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Against the backdrop of an island honeymoon, the two men clash and bicker before gradually uncovering an unexpected bond in this emotional dramedy.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Brockton man charged after allegedly shooting at officers Jailson Andrade, 44, faces several charges after allegedly firing at Brockton Police officers during an altercation early Sunday morning, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
    Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The pair have been in physical altercations in the past, including Manning's 2012 arrest for allegedly punching, scratching, kicking and choking Hartman – whom media outlets have referred to as Manning's former make-up artist and assistant – and slamming her head against the floor and wall.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Prosecutors argue that Duckett was a monster in disguise who abused the badge and brutally raped and killed Teresa before dumping her body in a lake.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The reversal comes after Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta and the UCLA Voting Rights Project launched legal challenges last week, arguing the sheriff has no authority over election materials.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But there are issues and there are disagreements and there are hurt feelings.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Yes, but major disagreements remained.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • They get captured by Hungarian gangsters and have to fight (and kill) their way out of an inn run by a shady former dance prodigy (Uma Thurman).
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Nissie Cadette took the mic and spoke about what an influence Metayer had been on her life, fighting through tears at every word.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Fundraising for the project through private donations also drew controversy.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The controversy surrounding the North Natomas micro-community comes amid a heated re-election campaign for Councilmember Lisa Kaplan, who represents the area.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 1 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.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quarrel. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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