squabble

[skwob-uhl]

verb (used without object)

squabbled, squabbling 

1. to engage in a petty quarrel.

   Synonyms: fight, bicker, wrangle, quarrel

verb (used with object)

squabbled, squabbling 

1. Printing.,  to disarrange and mix (composed type).

noun

1. a petty quarrel.

squabble

/ ˈskwɒbəl /

verb

1. (intr) to quarrel over a small matter

noun

1. a petty quarrel

Other Word Forms

• squabbler noun
• squabblingly adverb
• unsquabbling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squabble¹

1595–1605; probably < Scandinavian; compare Swedish dialect skvabbel a quarrel, gossip, Norwegian dialect skvabba to prattle

Word History and Origins

Origin of squabble¹

C17: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Swedish dialect sqvabbel to quarrel

Example Sentences

There are tantrums, squabbles and romantic jealousies, but it is mostly an opportunity for bravura singing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He added that between 10-25% of pupils surveyed "reported having a wide range of negative experiences with their smartphones, from everyday upset arising from peer group squabbles to exposure to harmful and illegal content".

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After a news conference full of squabbling, the face-off passed without major incident.

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They would raise a glass to that if it happens and leave the politicians to squabble over who fought Scotch's corner the hardest.

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It was a patronage squabble that still erupted into gunfire, showing how normalized armed violence was in settling disputes.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• altercation 
• bickering 
• controversy 
• difference 
• difference of opinion www.thesaurus.com
• disagreement 
• dispute 
• feud 
• flap 
• hassle 
• quarrel 
• spat 
• tiff 
• wrangle