cavil
verb (used without object)
to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually followed by at orabout ).
cavilled
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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
If that were permitted—if every order were to be cavilled at and argued upon, as just or unjust, there would be an end of all discipline.
From Mr. Midshipman Easy by Frederick Marryat
My dear Sir,—You observed that the French of Shirley might be cavilled at.
From Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle by Clement King Shorter
