Thesaurus results for ALTERCATION

Q: How does the noun 'altercation' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of altercation are quarrel , squabble , and wrangle . While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows. // a loud public altercation

Q: Where would 'quarrel' be a reasonable alternative to 'altercation'?

In some situations, the words quarrel and altercation are roughly equivalent. However, quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention. // a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

Q: When is it sensible to use 'squabble' instead of 'altercation'?

The meanings of squabble and altercation largely overlap; however, squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger. // a brief squabble over what to do next

Q: When would 'wrangle' be a good substitute for 'altercation'?

The words wrangle and altercation can be used in similar contexts, but wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions. // wrangle interminably about small issues

altercation

noun

ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən

Definition of altercation next

as in dispute

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions judging from all the slamming and banging, I'd say there was some sort of altercation going on next door

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun altercation contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of altercation are quarrel, squabble, and wrangle. While all these words mean "a noisy dispute usually marked by anger," altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

Where would quarrel be a reasonable alternative to altercation?

In some situations, the words quarrel and altercation are roughly equivalent. However, quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

When is it sensible to use squabble instead of altercation?

The meanings of squabble and altercation largely overlap; however, squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger.

a brief squabble over what to do next

When would wrangle be a good substitute for altercation?

The words wrangle and altercation can be used in similar contexts, but wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of altercation This marks the second moment in the last few days that the league has had to suspend players for an on-court altercation. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 This was the latest disciplinary incident for Wolves after Mario Lemina was stripped of the club captaincy following a post-match altercation with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen after the 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium. —

Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 Two years ago, Jolie filed a countersuit over a dispute about the sale of her half of the pair’s winery that detailed an altercation in 2016 including Pitt being physically aggressive to both Jolie and their children. —

Max Goldbart, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2024 In 2016, the actress filed for divorce after accusing Pitt of physically abusing her and their children during an altercation on a private jet. —

Ashley Hume, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for altercation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation

Noun

City officials did not say what set off the dispute.

— Deon J. Hampton, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
This firsthand legal dispute inspired her to become an advocate for female inventors, educating others on the importance of filing for IP protection. ForbesWomen: Get the ForbesWomen newsletter, and supercharge your mission with success stories, tips and more.

— Karin Eldor, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025