quibble
noun
an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.
quibbled
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past participleof quibble.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof quibble.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
quibblenounan instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.
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.
I wondered if McGregor would have quibbled with his Obi-Wan’s patchy blond beard, but when I went back and double-checked the film, it is that scraggly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026
He quibbled that the control group in Moderna’s late-stage trial didn’t receive the “best-available standard of care.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 11, 2026
"They sent the money right out. They never quibbled anything, they've been brilliant."
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2024
Researchers quibbled with the terminology, but that was essentially what had happened.
From Slate ● Jan. 27, 2024
Danny and Joe chattered, quibbled, and stuffed their mouths, oblivious to the tension in the air.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
