Synonyms

quibbling

American

[kwib-ling] / ˈkwɪb lɪŋ /

adjective

characterized by or consisting of quibbles; carping; niggling.

quibbling debates.

noun

the act of a person who quibbles.
an instance of quibbling.

a relationship marked by frequent quibblings.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of quibbling

First recorded in 1650–60; quibble + -ing ², -ing ¹

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.

But quibbling over individual op-eds let him sidestep some uncomfortable introspection.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

It was a mistake to think that you could give the beach cottage to these quibbling brothers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

But she dismissed arguments that regular sugar is less processed as "completely quibbling", noting that both products require stripping out fibre and other nutritional benefits.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2025

But they subjected the commission’s rulemaking procedure to pitiless quibbling.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

After a spell of indecisive quibbling, Perry said, “I’m for it.”

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023