as in bickered
to express different opinions about something often angrily
the children squabbled loudly over who got to play with the toy first
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Recent Examples of squabbled
The city and a group of taxpayers for years squabbled in court over whether the government had the right to enter into a contract with the Friends, which ultimately disbanded before the zoo opened in Griffith Park in 1966.
—
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
The countries have also squabbled over Pretoria’s affirmative action policies and a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
18 June 2026
Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan have also squabbled over who should have the jewel.
—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
The holdover Republicans who have remained attached to the party’s old identity (hawkish, pro-Israel, anti-Russia, opposed to anti-Semitism) have squabbled with its newer entrants.
—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
The founders squabbled 11 years more over the Constitution, and states took another two years to ratify it.
—
Jackie Calmes,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
Personalities from the stations have squabbled over the years, like rappers signed to labels with similar wares but diverging agendas.
—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2025
This go-around hasn’t been much different as the party squabbled over which of their numerous health care proposals should receive a vote.
—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
13 Dec. 2025
Late risers in pajamas walked their dogs, two men squabbled over a parking spot, and neighbors and shopkeepers went about their routines.
—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
The countries have also squabbled over Pretoria’s affirmative action policies and a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
18 June 2026
Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan have also squabbled over who should have the jewel.
—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
The holdover Republicans who have remained attached to the party’s old identity (hawkish, pro-Israel, anti-Russia, opposed to anti-Semitism) have squabbled with its newer entrants.
—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
The founders squabbled 11 years more over the Constitution, and states took another two years to ratify it.
—
Jackie Calmes,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
Personalities from the stations have squabbled over the years, like rappers signed to labels with similar wares but diverging agendas.
—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2025
This go-around hasn’t been much different as the party squabbled over which of their numerous health care proposals should receive a vote.
—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
13 Dec. 2025
Late risers in pajamas walked their dogs, two men squabbled over a parking spot, and neighbors and shopkeepers went about their routines.
—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squabbled
Verb
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King bickered with fans on social media.
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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.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Verb
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In fact, Twain might well have quarreled with the whole premise of celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
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He's previously quarreled with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook and Draymond Green.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Squabbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squabbled. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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