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

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
Some of the quarrels that divided Minneapolis city leaders only a few weeks ago, over policing or Gaza or the budget, have faded as people have come together to oppose ICE. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 After all, this dispute is a business quarrel, rather than a personal one; while the lawsuit involves a college and a student, it’s better understood as a team trying to keep its star quarterback. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
Rhoden's biggest political victory this year was getting the state Legislature to sign off on a $650 million plan in September to replace the 141-year-old state penitentiary, an issue the Legislature had quarreled over for years. CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025 The family is reportedly quarreling over Princess Beatrice and Eugenie’s royal roles after their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had his titles taken away. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quarrel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrel
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
Verb
  • The choice not to pick a team has left fans bickering with each other.
    Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The pair also bicker a bit as Aniston pauses mid-styling session to tame her own ‘do.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 3 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
Verb
  • Proponents of banning firms such as Blackstone from buying single-family homes, many of whom are on the Left and populist Right, argue that those investors are crowding out the market for homebuyers.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Why pigeons can outperform drones in some missions The startup argued that pigeons offer practical advantages over conventional drones in specific environments.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For teens especially, emotional growth depends on navigating real relationships, including discomfort and disagreement.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Anthropic’s founders are former OpenAI employees who left over disagreements about the ChatGPT maker’s direction, approach to safety and pace of AI development.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • For some people, dogs are a way to feel loved, to relieve pressures to have kids, to fight the drudgery of their job, to reduce the stress of the rat race and to connect with the outdoors.
    Margret Grebowicz, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Ask a Native person why Native people have volunteered to fight in the US’s wars overseas, including in Korea, my homeland, and Vietnam, the most recent nation of origin of many of my refugee friends.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Independent reported that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is also facing Epstein connected controversy over the appointment and subsequent firing of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, attended the reception.
    James Powel, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • But the controversy surrounding the event with halftime performer Bad Bunny likely stoked additional interest.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 2026.

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