cavil
verb (used without object)
to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually followed by at orabout ).
cavilled
-
past participleof cavil.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof cavil.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
cavilverb (used without object)to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually followed by at orabout ).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This lack of a central authority is one of the reasons why Dimon cavilled in such strong terms last week.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 17, 2017
Critics cavilled slightly at his tendency to inject cosmic significance into his characters' activities.
From Time Magazine Archive
Critics cavilled, questioned the veracity of many incidents, doubted this man had experienced them all.
From Time Magazine Archive
They, as might be supposed, cavilled, disputed, and appealed.
From Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 2 of 3) Turgot by John Morley
There was all the defiance of a world insensate to love, greedy to find sin, dull to see grace and beauty, blind to a woman's self while it cavilled at a woman's deeds.
From Tristram of Blent An Episode in the Story of an Ancient House by Anthony Hope
