quibble

noun

An argument or objection based on an ambiguity of wording or similar trivial circumstance; a minor complaint.

(archaic) A pun.

verb

(informal, intransitive) To complain or argue in a trivial or petty manner.

(informal, rare, transitive) To contest, especially some trivial issue in a petty manner.

Roots

quibusquib- · Latin · whom/which (from legal Latin quibus)-le-ble · English · frequentative suffix

Synonyms for quibble

pettifogv caviln nigglev bickern squabblen nitpickv argufyv quiddityn arguev hairsplittingadj disputen polemicizev wranglen carpingn

Synonyms & related words for quibble

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of quibble — including pettifog, cavil, niggle, bicker, squabble, nitpick. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to quibble

Explore words related to quibble — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include brabble, pettifoggery, hairsplitter, altercate, gripe, quarrel, outargue, squabbler. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for quibble

Common synonyms for quibble include pettifog, cavil, niggle, bicker, squabble, nitpick, argufy, quiddity — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does quibble come from?

The word quibble breaks down into 2 roots of Latin and English origin: quib, from Latin quibus (“whom/which (from legal Latin quibus)”); and -ble, from English -le (“frequentative suffix”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.