squabble
14 synonyms for squabble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A minor, petty argument.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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 minor, petty argument.
“The siblings had a squabble over who got the last slice of pizza.”
How to use squabble
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
petty squabble
squabble over
family squabble
Etymology
First recorded around 1600, likely of Scandinavian origin and imitative in nature — related to Swedish and Norwegian dialect words meaning to chatter or prattle.
Full origin of squabble →Frequently asked questions
What does “squabble” mean?
The word “squabble” means a minor, petty argument. In plain terms, a small, petty argument, or to argue over something minor.
How do you pronounce “squabble”?
“Squabble” is pronounced SKWO-buhl (/ˈskwɑːbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “squabble” in a sentence?
Here is “squabble” used in a sentence: “The siblings had a squabble over who got the last slice of pizza.”
What is another word for “squabble”?
Words with a similar meaning to “squabble” include barney, bicker, quarrel, wrangle, argue and tiff.
What part of speech is “squabble”?
Depending on how it is used, “squabble” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “squabble” come from?
The word “squabble” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Norwegian. First recorded around 1600, likely of Scandinavian origin and imitative in nature — related to Swedish and Norwegian dialect words meaning to chatter or prattle.
How many meanings does “squabble” have?
“Squabble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a minor, petty argument.
