Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 As the first quarter ended, the FOX broadcast caught wide receiver Malik Nabers and head coach Brian Daboll in a verbal altercation as the Giants’ offense sputtered to start the game. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025 An investigation revealed two groups of people were involved in an altercation at Fairwood Park, located at 1255 Sandia Ave. Jason Green, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025 The altercation — which prosecutors say included Cook punching Mohamed and hitting him with a chain and lock Cook had around his neck — apparently moved onto a nearby street. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025 Emani Ellis' lawsuit, which was first filed in February 2020, alleged Cardi spat on her and scratched her nose during an altercation outside of an obstetrician's office. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for altercation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercation
Noun
  • The dispute was heard by an arbitrator (and not a judge) because, per SPAC language and accompanying NBPA regulations, player-agent disputes are subject to arbitration.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The dishwasher was made in America, though there is some dispute over who did it.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While unconfirmed, we’re told that the film sees Louise, the alcoholic mother of Mike (Hechinger) and Tommy, take off after a quarrel with her husband Lester — walking with her dog to the home of her brother Frank, quite a few miles away.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The quarrel continued to escalate, spurring Ates to send the man his location.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But Brown became entangled in a controversy of her own this spring when she was indicted alongside her two adult daughters on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud used to falsely obtain pandemic relief loans.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • While some among Democrats cast him as the party’s national leader and a natural choice for their 2028 nominee, conservative critics point to his past controversies, including other pay-for-play stories.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The deal, brokered after a standoff between state and county officials resulting from a disagreement over whether to raise assessments this year, means homeowners will see a nearly 7% increase above their 2024 property valuation.
    Madeline King, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • As part of the legal dispute between Priscilla and her former business partners, Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, a letter Keough wrote to her grandmother was made public, revealing a disagreement between the Daisy Jones & the Six star and her late mom.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Sinner eventually came through in a display of fight and quality in adversity, and now has a day’s rest to manage the problem.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Classes were offered on serving in-fight refreshments and putting on make-up.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But Cherry interrupts their twosome and a brawl ensues.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Months before at the same campus, a 100-person brawl had led to the cancelation of an event featuring another Turning Point USA speaker.
    Curt Devine, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Through attorney Darren Heitner of Heitner Legal, Turner in the arbitration hearing made several arguments that he’s entitled to the 4% commission on the Clippers contract.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Rutte and Grynkewich described NATO’s eastern flank as the front line of defense, but dismissed arguments that the whole alliance wasn’t at risk of Russian aggression.
    Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Hussein family bickers about which MENA ethnicities are better than others.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Better to follow the West German example and achieve full NATO membership for independent Ukraine than to watch essential U.S. support dwindle as Congress bickers and Trump’s reelection odds increase.
    M. E. Sarotte, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Altercation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercation. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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