1
as in to complain
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant
he spent the entire evening quibbling about the historical inaccuracies in the television series on World War II
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to argue
to express different opinions about something often angrily
don't quibble over who gets to sit in front
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in objection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of quibble
Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
And for suborbital space tourism, quibbling over definitions can take on a life of its own.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
The series about how small-time thief Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) became a Rebel hero in time for his ultimate sacrifice in 2016’s Rogue One was so well-received that one of the audience’s only quibbles actually pertained to the minimal number of alien characters.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quibble
Verb
Behind closed doors and then eventually in media sessions, Vermes quibbled that Sporting’s spending hadn’t kept up with the rest of the league, leaving a stale roster.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025
And for suborbital space tourism, quibbling over definitions can take on a life of its own.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
My only quibble is the costume team’s decision to accessorize Smoke in blue and Stack in flame red.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
The series about how small-time thief Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) became a Rebel hero in time for his ultimate sacrifice in 2016’s Rogue One was so well-received that one of the audience’s only quibbles actually pertained to the minimal number of alien characters.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quibble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quibble
Verb
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Patterson complained about her in-laws behind their backs Erin and Simon Patterson got married in 2007 and, after splitting and reconciling multiple times over the years, separated permanently in 2015.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
7 June 2025
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Occasionally, drivers call the CHP to complain — especially during rush hour.—
Tina Li,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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The Entertainment Union Coalition argues that the bill will also help retain the existing workforce, which otherwise would continue to erode.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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Debates over existing recommendations Administration officials argue the shots are no longer necessary for healthy pregnant women, kids and younger adults under 65 because so many people have so much immunity at this point.—
Rob Stein,
NPR,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Several Republicans have already expressed objections to the legislation as approved by the House.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 June 2025
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Maryland parents fight for right to opt kids out of LGBTQ+ school materials The school case surrounds parents’ objections in Maryland to books with LGBTQ+ characters that Montgomery County Public Schools, which is based in the Washington metro area, added to its curriculum in 2022.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
3 June 2025
Verb
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As grocers — especially ethnic stores — work to navigate a global trade war, tariffs, and snarled supply chains, they’re also forced to contend with measures nitpicking nearly every aspect of their businesses.—
Ron Fong,
Oc Register,
21 May 2025
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This is pretty much your standard-issue focus-group scene, with dopey viewers idiotically nitpicking irrelevant details.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
Verb
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There’s a genuine brother-and-sister warmth between the Andy and Piper characters in Bring Her Back — and plenty of sibling bickering too.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
30 May 2025
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Yet a design challenge is a smart choice to assign this particular group of queens because that means locking them in the workroom to bicker between assembling garments.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Throughout the footage, Leah, from Fort Worth, Texas, can be seen fussing Lunch Box and fawning over her sweet foster pup.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
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The baby occasionally fussed, and Khalil turned around and smiled at his wife and son.—
Chloe Atkins,
NBC news,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Holland has been one of the more active UFC competitors since losing that contest by decision, fighting at middleweight and welterweight.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Six engines, three water tenders, one dozer and one hand crew are all continuing to fight the fire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
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The Department of Education said Columbia University violated federal anti-discrimination laws and failed to meet accreditation standards over its handling of pro-Palestinian protests last year.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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This unit is responsible for the management and safety of large gatherings, such as protests, festivals, sporting events and concerts.—
Ramal Nasim,
Kansas City Star,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quibble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quibble. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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