quibble
noun
an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.
was quibbling
-
past progressiveof quibble.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
For much of the production, directed by George C. Wolfe, I was quibbling and quarreling with the reigning queen of Broadway.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 31, 2025
Later, when there was quibbling whether "regret" was an apology, Reagan ended the argument.
From Time Magazine Archive
It was quibbling to lay the whole blame on Ocock's shoulders.
From Australia Felix by Henry Handel Richardson
Several voices cried out that this was quibbling.
From The Longest Journey by E. M. (Edward Morgan) Forster
She divined, clear though his answer was, that he had evaded, or was quibbling in some way.
From The Lions of the Lord A Tale of the Old West by Harry Leon Wilson
