quarrelsome

adjective

ˈkwȯr(-ə)l-səm How to pronounce quarrelsome (audio)
Definition of quarrelsomenext
1
as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight a quarrelsome student who was always being sent to the principal's office for starting fights in the halls

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in contentious
given to arguing you're so quarrelsome: you can never do anything without a fuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word quarrelsome distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of quarrelsome are bellicose, belligerent, contentious, and pugnacious. While all these words mean "having an aggressive or fighting attitude," quarrelsome stresses an ill-natured readiness to fight without good cause.

the heat made us all quarrelsome

When might bellicose be a better fit than quarrelsome?

The words bellicose and quarrelsome can be used in similar contexts, but bellicose suggests a disposition to fight.

a drunk in a bellicose mood

In what contexts can belligerent take the place of quarrelsome?

Although the words belligerent and quarrelsome have much in common, belligerent often implies being actually at war or engaged in hostilities.

belligerent nations

When is it sensible to use contentious instead of quarrelsome?

While the synonyms contentious and quarrelsome are close in meaning, contentious implies perverse and irritating fondness for arguing and quarreling.

wearied by his contentious disposition

When can pugnacious be used instead of quarrelsome?

In some situations, the words pugnacious and quarrelsome are roughly equivalent. However, pugnacious suggests a disposition that takes pleasure in personal combat.

a pugnacious gangster

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 quarrelsome Stereophonic could be called a workplace drama, a quarrelsome family play or even an extended hangout, as much a vibe as a story. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 The romantic pentagon’s members are quarrelsome, foolish, and discombobulated by the passage of time—characters often describe themselves as being a bore or a burden, or as having missed their moment. — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 The battlegrounds have also multiplied, from a few notoriously quarrelsome parent councils to traditionally peaceful spots around the city. — Troy Closson, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024 The almost too-perfect sibling rivalry storyline marched on following the release of 2001’s Lions and a joint tour with fellow famously quarrelsome brother duo Oasis — winkingly called the Tour of Brotherly Love — after which the Crowes went on hiatus in 2002. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for quarrelsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quarrelsome
  1. aggressive
  2. contentious
  3. militant
  4. controversial
  5. hostile
  6. stubborn
  7. irritable
  8. belligerent
Adjective
  • The prison has become a symbol of Bukele's aggressive policies that have targeted gang violence.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Young has struggled against the Heat’s aggressive defense in recent years.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of aggressive
Adjective
  • However, all three of these studies come from a closely affiliated group of researchers, are based on the same dataset tracking maternal health, and use contentious measures of both IQ and fluoride exposure.
    — Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Policies around taxes, the federal budget and migration were widely seen as contentious points among the parties.
    — Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of contentious
Adjective
  • And in Lebanon, a series of Israeli attacks on the country have decapitated the militant group Hezbollah.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The group wrote to Bondi to argue that the influencer should be investigated over whether she has been paid to spread propaganda for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, it was first reported by the New York Post.
    — Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of militant
Adjective
  • Day, a 13-time PGA Tour winner and the winner of the 2015 PGA Championship, revealed this week that he was asked to remove his controversial sweater vest at last year’s Masters, during a round in which he was partnered with Tiger Woods.
    — Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But Sound of Freedom, while popular with conservative audiences, was also controversial.
    — Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of controversial
Adjective
  • John Shine described to me a research trip to the hostile mountain environs of Tasmania, where snakes stay under cover except for the 20 or 30 warm days each year.
    — Stephen S. Hall, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Union members shared other experiences and stories, including those of an increasingly hostile work environment for some.
    — Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of hostile
Adjective
  • Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.
    — Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • And even in what was a stilted match played in an increasingly irritable atmosphere, Rogers and Tielemans delivered with an assist each.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This stretch can worsen pain in people with back pain, very tight hamstrings, or irritable nerves.
    — Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of irritable
Adjective
  • The Houthis are what one veteran Yemen-watcher calls the honey badgers of resistance, referring to the belligerent mammal known for its fearless attitude toward predators.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The driver pulled out a gun and fired six shots, the witness said, hitting not only the belligerent passenger but also an uninvolved man sitting nearby.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of belligerent

Browse Nearby Words

quarrels
quarrelsome
quarrelsomeness
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Cite this Entry

“Quarrelsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quarrelsome. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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