spat
10 synonyms for spat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A brief, minor argument or quarrel.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A brief, minor argument or quarrel.
“The two roommates had a spat over whose turn it was to do the dishes.”
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly linked to "spit," though the exact history is unclear.
Full origin of spat →Frequently asked questions
What does “spat” mean?
The word “spat” means a brief, minor argument or quarrel. In plain terms, a small squabble between people, or, in a completely different sense, baby oysters or a shoe covering.
How do you pronounce “spat”?
“Spat” is pronounced spat (/spæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “spat” in a sentence?
Here is “spat” used in a sentence: “The two roommates had a spat over whose turn it was to do the dishes.”
What part of speech is “spat”?
Depending on how it is used, “spat” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “spat” a common word?
“Spat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “spat” have?
“Spat” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brief, minor argument or quarrel.
