spat 1 of 2

noun

Definition of spatnext
as in altercation
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions like any couple, they have their spats

Synonyms & Similar Words

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spat

2 of 2

verb

as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily we tend to spat over money more than anything else

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 spat
Noun
One thing the trio did not touch on on the eve of America 250 was that little spat between England and a pre-independent America known as the Revolutionary War. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 July 2026 But today, drama is on my mind because of a little spat involving a former F1 driver at last weekend’s NASCAR race in San Diego. — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Verb
Preparation has cultural and regional variations, but the seed is usually chewed with slaked lime and betel leaves, and chewing releases a red juice that's often then spat out. — New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2025 The flare comes after nearly a week of flares and coronal plasma ejections spat toward the planet that threatened disruptions to power and communications systems on Earth. — Greg Wehner, Fox News, 15 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for spat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spat
  1. altercation
  2. bicker
  3. dispute
  4. argue
  5. quarrel
  6. fight
  7. controversy
  8. brawl
Noun
  • The altercation involving Sandoval, Robinson and her father happened in the early morning hours after the couple returned home from a night out at a bar, according to both accounts.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Angelo and the woman’s fiancé got into a brief altercation that resulted in an exchange of gunfire.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Definition of altercation
Verb
  • Several weeks back, Clark and White were caught bickering during a timeout huddle against the expansion Portland Fire.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
  • The plot centers on bickering couple Joe and Angela, who invite their noisy upstairs neighbors, Hawk and Piña, for dinner.
    — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of bicker
Noun
  • Herzog won a power struggle in the front office, then quit anyway, amid disputes with ownership.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The court was established in 2001 and began functioning four years later as both an international court to settle disputes among Caribbean countries and as a final court of appeal.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of dispute
Verb
  • 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
  • Proponents argue recordings would solve a long-standing crisis that leaves many proceedings with no verbatim record.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of argue
Noun
  • The victim got into a quarrel inside Bob’s Classic Barber Shop on Albany Ave.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 10 June 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
Definition of quarrel
Verb
  • Two firefighters died from injures sustained while fighting the blaze.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The action is set in the 1750s with Washington as a young man eager to fight, initially as a British officer in a period of complex loyalties.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of fight
Noun
  • Test your knowledge of cruise controversies, wedding whispers and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of controversy
Verb
  • And in an age of boorish, brawling Little League Parents®, perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned from our new friends in the horn hats.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026
  • Another worker described the chaos as well over a dozen teens brawled inside the diner.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026
Definition of brawl

Browse Nearby Words

spastic paralysis
spat
spate
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Cite this Entry

“Spat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spat

Nglish: Translation of spat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spat

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