argy-bargy

noun

ˌär-jē-ˈbär-jē How to pronounce argy-bargy (audio)
Definition of argy-bargynext
chiefly British
1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue wouldn't be a cricket match without a little argy-bargy over the umpire's every call

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in quarrel
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions the perennial argy-bargy over whether the monarchy should be abolished

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of argy-bargy The staredown initiated a little argy-bargy between the pair as both teams exited the field. — David Close, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 Perhaps this explains why there was none of the needle associated with those recent encounters, including the Carabao Cup first-round clash in August 2024 that again ended in a bout of argy-bargy sparked by a 92nd-minute clash between Sydie Peck and Jack Marriott. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for argy-bargy
  1. discussion
  2. quarrel
  3. debate
  4. dispute
  5. consultation
  6. altercation
  7. consult
  8. disagreement
Noun
  • It could be put on the Faculty Senate's agenda for discussion as soon as next week, several professors said in interviews.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Jackson used a portion of his rebuttal to try and refocus the discussion on Collins.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • The overtones of social significance are adroitly handled and make real sense in an era of tragic international quarrels.
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike Christian priests and medicine men, who generally command respect, rainmakers are sometimes seen as malicious people who retaliate against whole communities for quarrels with their neighbors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of quarrel
Noun
  • The White House move is unfolding against a far darker debate over where the technology is headed.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Early on, there’s a moment that foreshadows what the real debate is (or should be).
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Seaver’s dispute with Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager and the sole manager of She’s Alive LLC, first spilled into public view when Nozell sued him last month and sought the restraining order.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Sentara Health, a hospital system in Virginia with more than $14 billion of revenue, recently went through a contract dispute with Anthem, the health plan owned by Elevance Health.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • If a recurring problem cannot be resolved simply by adjusting sprinkler heads, consultation with qualified irrigation or landscaping professionals may help identify and implement a permanent solution.
    — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Courtesy of Heineken, 2026 Caton declined to say how many European jobs will go, citing ongoing consultation with staff and the European Works Council.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • One of Bonner's friends appeared to get into an argument with the third man as the second male friend attempted to hold him back from an altercation.
    — Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Chicago Alderman Michelle Harris said at Sunday's community vigil that the suspect had allegedly gotten into an altercation with staff at a wireless store in the Chatham neighborhood just before the fatal stabbing, WLS reported.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of altercation
Noun
  • Tzachi Zach does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    — Tzachi Zach, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Clients looking for a more custom experience can hire Rosenthal for a personal consult, which includes two 30-minute sessions with the designer, a bespoke Dormie kit, two rounds of personalized edits and a customized 3D rendering for $4,000.
    — Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of consult
Noun
  • Gowanus Green, as shown in this rendering, is planned to be 100 percent affordable, but construction stalled due to disagreements over cleanup standards.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the deep divide on governance, and disagreements on governance in Bangladesh, the 300-signatory milestone demonstrates that international brands remain committed to the Accord’s core principle.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of disagreement

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Cite this Entry

“Argy-bargy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/argy-bargy. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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