quibble

American  

[kwib-uhl] / ˈkwɪb əl /

noun

1. an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.

   Synonyms:

   ambiguity, shift, sophism, equivocation, evasion

2. the general use of such arguments.

3. petty or carping criticism; a minor objection.

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verb (used without object)

quibbled, quibbling

1. to equivocate.

2. to carp; cavil.

quibble British  

/ ˈkwɪbəl /

verb

1. to make trivial objections; prevaricate

2. archaic to play on words; pun

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noun

1. a trivial objection or equivocation, esp one used to avoid an issue

2. archaic a pun

Other Word Forms

• outquibble verb (used with object)
• quibbler noun
• quibbling adjective
• quibblingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of quibble

1605–15; perhaps derivative ( -le ) of quib gibe, apparently akin to quip

Example Sentences

But the Surge’s bylaws are clear that no nit be left unpicked, and so we have to quibble with his framing.

From Slate • Jan. 17, 2026

As dispassionate buyers who paid cash and didn’t quibble over ugly paint or dingy carpet, they beat out regular buyers without having to outbid them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 10, 2026

The main quibble with this second season is the writers’ heavy reliance on our fondness for the returning cast, which comes at the expense of newcomers like Al-Hashimi or the latest crop of medical students.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2026

While ministers may quibble with a lack of communication, no issue is taken with the use of Scottish airbases or airports - that, I'm told, is standard operating procedure.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

It was less diplomatic congratulations than he’d received from Reynie and Kate—who had cheered and clapped him on the back—but Sticky was too relieved to quibble.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Related Words

• bicker
• carp
• spar
• squabble
• waffle
• wrangle