squabble
verb (used without object)
to engage in a petty quarrel.
have been squabbling
-
present perfect progressiveof squabble.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Doctors’ groups and the government have been squabbling over a government plan to increase the number of medical school admissions by 2,000, starting from next year.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 18, 2024
While the other coalition parties are expected to press Draghi to stay, the 5-Stars, weakened by defections from their ranks, have been squabbling over what to do.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 19, 2022
The two leaders have been squabbling over the power to take action in New York City since the early months of Mr. de Blasio’s tenure as mayor in 2014.
From New York Times ● Apr. 12, 2020
The two couples are neighbors who have been squabbling over the barking dog.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 10, 2015
You don't suppose that what theologians have been squabbling over for two thousand years can be settled in a day, do you?
From Romance of California Life by John Habberton
