quibble
7 synonyms for quibble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A minor, often pedantic objection or complaint about a small detail.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A minor, often pedantic objection or complaint about a small detail.
“His only quibble with the report was a comma in the wrong place.”
How to use quibble
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a minor quibble
quibble over details
quibble about
Etymology
Origin unclear, but likely connected to the legal Latin word quibus ("in what respect?"), which cropped up so often in wordy legal documents that it became linked with pointless nitpicking.
Full origin of quibble →Frequently asked questions
What does “quibble” mean?
The word “quibble” means a minor, often pedantic objection or complaint about a small detail. In plain terms, a small, often pointless complaint or argument over minor details.
How do you pronounce “quibble”?
“Quibble” is pronounced KWIH-buhl (/ˈkwɪbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “quibble” in a sentence?
Here is “quibble” used in a sentence: “His only quibble with the report was a comma in the wrong place.”
What is another word for “quibble”?
Words with a similar meaning to “quibble” include squabble.
What part of speech is “quibble”?
Depending on how it is used, “quibble” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “quibble” come from?
The word “quibble” comes from Latin. Origin unclear, but likely connected to the legal Latin word quibus ("in what respect?"), which cropped up so often in wordy legal documents that it became linked with pointless nitpicking.
How many meanings does “quibble” have?
“Quibble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a minor, often pedantic objection or complaint about a small detail.
