quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.
a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship
wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.
wrangle interminably about small issues
altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.
a loud public altercation
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebBroward Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a fight outside of a middle school Tuesday afternoon after an adult was seen on video hitting a minor girl during the altercation. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 14 Sep. 2022 During the altercation, investigators believe Jones' colleague shot him in the arm. Dory Jackson, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 Police believe the 69 year old was killed during an altercation some time during the previous day. Kat Bouza, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2022 According to police, the victim was allegedly shot by Gregory Thomas, 39, of Wolcott during the altercation.Hartford Courant, 5 Sep. 2022 Brown is accused of firing the first shots and exchanging gunfire with another male during the altercation. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 Sep. 2022 Authorities say two Lawrence County deputies and a Moulton police officer were injured Thursday during an altercation with a Trinity man. William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al, 31 Aug. 2022 Pitt supposedly was targeting Maddox during the altercation. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 27 Aug. 2022 During the altercation, the suspect describes herself as being Mexican American. Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 26 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English altercacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French altercacion, borrowed from Latin altercātiōn-, altercātiō, from altercārī, altercāre "to dispute vehemently, wrangle" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at altercate