QUARRELS Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

quarrels 1 of 2

noun

plural of quarrel

as in disputes

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions a loud quarrel erupted at the next table over

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quarrels

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of quarrel

as in bickers

to express different opinions about something often angrily the coach and the referee quarreled about whether the ball was in bounds

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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 quarrels

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, 20 Sep. 2026 Candi is the family mediator Like any father-daughter coaching dynamic, Corey and Coco have had their fair share of quarrels on the tennis court. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026 In a 2024 study, researchers found that chimpanzee mothers tended to step in to defend their children in quarrels—say, over food or space in a tree—in about half of cases the researchers observed in the wild. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 May 2026 As the trio quarrels, bonds and ventures through the wild unknown, Felix discovers that true bravery may change not only his own destiny, but also the future of his home. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 May 2026 Today the Moon in your sign is at odds with fiery Mars, hinting at domestic quarrels and problems. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too. — W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026

Verb

The three bills also are not the first headline-grabbing action from Schroer, who serves as chair of the Senate’s hard-right Freedom Caucus, which frequently quarrels with GOP leadership. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrels

Noun

Other disputes are minor, like the three animal rights activists who stole lambs from King Charles’ Sandringham estate.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Oct. 2026
In the last year alone, the federal government partially shut down twice for weeks because of partisan disputes in Congress over spending on healthcare and immigration enforcement.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of disputes

Noun

The economy has produced another set of disagreements, particularly over government spending, employment, and social programs.

— Katie Angell Britannica Editors Oct. 2, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Oct. 2026
The suit also asserted Vista Grande initiated the ER trips in retaliation for the family's disagreements about Tingley's care.

— Jordan Rau, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of disagreements

Noun

Images showed altercations between police and protesters, with officers using batons to strike demonstrators, who threw barriers.

— Joseph Wilson, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
The election is taking place amid heightened political tensions in Serbia, with reports of incidents and physical altercations at campaign events.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of altercations

Verb

Ideas expressed in the piece The article argues that the rollback favors automakers and the oil industry over consumers, public health and the climate.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Chidgasornpongse argues that capitalist accumulation can persist even within such sacred walls.

— Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of argues

Noun

The question also raised the recent spread of controversies over individual films into attacks on cast and crew and campaigns to halt screenings.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Fox and its founder, Rupert Murdoch, have faced controversies, scandals and litigation before.

— David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of controversies

Verb

Paul clashes with Neeley, Matthews, and Draper before storming out of the party, only to return and continue arguing with the group.

— Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
According to The Ankler, the film’s plot centers on a Black reenactor at a historical slave plantation museum who clashes with the Midwest town’s racist mayor, played by Parker.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026