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

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 On Monday, Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells, who represents the county, sent a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, asking for a ruling on the Star-Telegram’s request for video of the altercation at the county jail that led to Johnson’s death. —

Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2025 Following the altercation, the woman’s mother stormed out of the room, leaving the family divided on who was right in the situation. —

Ashley Vega, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 When an altercation erupted between a rioter and a Capitol Police officer, the document said, Roe — with the pitchfork in his right hand — moved forward and pushed the officer with his left hand. —

Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025 One officer’s body camera video shows shaky glimpses of a chaotic altercation, which appeared to escalate when an officer used his arm to block Mr. Kerley from approaching, and Mr. Kerley batted it away. —

Juliet MacUr, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 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
Campbell, who sat out the previous installment due to a salary dispute, is on board for the new feature to focus on her character, Sidney Prescott, and her daughter.

— Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025