QUARRELED Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

quarreled

verb

variants or quarrelled

past tense of quarrel

as in bickered

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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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 quarreled In fact, Twain might well have quarreled with the whole premise of celebrating America’s 250th birthday. — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 For the past seven months, SDC has quarreled with state officials and lawmakers over its community action agency title. — Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 26 Nov. 2025 Mayor Sue Finkam found the dollars to quell many concerns from city councilors about the budget, but officials still quarreled over the transparency of some dollars earmarked for Carmel’s legal department. — Jake Allen, IndyStar, 22 Oct. 2025 Last year, the Legislature didn’t finalize its budget until two weeks before the annual budget cycle ended because the House and Senate quarreled over how to close a $4 billion spending gap. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026 Budapest, which has quarreled with its EU partners over support for Ukraine and Russian oil deliveries, has also blocked a 90 billion euro ($103 billion) loan as Kyiv runs low on cash. — Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026 He's previously quarreled with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook and Draymond Green. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026 Rhoden's biggest political victory this year was getting the state Legislature to sign off on a $650 million plan in September to replace the 141-year-old state penitentiary, an issue the Legislature had quarreled over for years. — CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025 On Thursday, the Miami City Commission deferred voting on two commissioners’ requests to fund affordable housing and parks in their districts after officials quarreled over which areas in the city have the most pressing needs, an argument that cut to the core of the wealth divide in Miami. — Tess Riski april 10, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarreled

Verb

King bickered with fans on social media.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
But Tilly and Gershon playfully bickered onstage as the former remembered things slightly differently, with Tilly saying the problem had more to do with a shot of her hand on Gershon's crotch that was deemed too realistic.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Definition of bickered

Verb

Defense attorneys argued during the trial that the defendants planned a peaceful protest and noise demonstration with fireworks to show support for people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

— Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
The defense had argued to delay the hearing, saying in court filings this spring the high volume of discovery meant Robinson’s attorneys would be unable to adequately prepare.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

Definition of argued

Verb

The future king of Britain descends from American patriots who fought against the crown he is destined to inherit, according to a new book tracing Prince William's family tree.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Both exist in spite of the odds, symbols of perseverance and community — memorials to those who fought to establish a new country and a new state, and who happened to do it in a place that proved particularly untamable.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of fought

Verb

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who has backed DeSantis at some key moments but also clashed with the governor, also endorsed Donalds last week.

— Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Season 3 of the series returned with a bloody episode and a skyrocketing death toll, which continues to rise, as the rival Targaryen factions clashed in the shock-and-awe-inspiring Battle of the Gullet.

— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of clashed

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quarrel

quarreled

quarreled (with)

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“Quarreled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quarreled. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of quarreled

verb

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