quibble — English Dictionary

Noun

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

   Examples

   He harped on his quibble about how the dark red paint should be described as carmine rather than burgundy.

   Quibbles […]have no place in the search after truth.

   More examples (3)

   As the two railways were to meet end-on, providing a continuous line from Parkside to Lancaster, it would have been expected that they would work together harmoniously for their common interests, but the quibble over the connection strained the relationship from the beginning.

   Toward the end of “Galatea,” there are a few missteps: […] All in all, though, these are minor quibbles.

   Essentially, we want a commitment to no-quibble refunds, without admin fees, if people who have already paid decide not to travel because of the virus.

2. A pun.

   Usage

   • Archaic

   Examples

   Is it a quibble, or play upon words?

   This is a quibble between council and counsel. The latter word is still used to imply secrecy; as in the phrase, "keep your own counsel."

Verb

1. To complain or argue in a trivial or petty manner.

   Usage

   • Informal
   • Intransitive

   Examples

   They are constantly quibbling over insignificant details.

   “Oh, if you talk in that sense!” said Mr. Standish, with as much disgust at such non-legal quibbling as a man can well betray towards a valuable client.

   More examples (2)

   “I dog no one, Mr. Temple,” I replied bitterly. “We'll not quibble about words,” said he.

   Mr. Musk has shown a disdain toward Twitter’s previous corporate culture. He has quibbled with the number of bird references in the company’s internal team names and products.

2. To contest, especially some trivial issue in a petty manner.

   Usage

   • Informal
   • Rare
   • Transitive

   Examples

   The customer quibbled the bill.

Noun

1. an evasion of the point of an argument by raising irrelevant distinctions or objections

   Synonyms

   quidditycavil

   Broader terms

   evasionequivocation

Verb

1. evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections

   Broader terms

   hedgefudgeevadeput offcircumventparryeludeskirtdodgeducksidestep

2. argue over petty things

   Synonyms

   nigglepettifogbickersquabblebrabble

   Broader terms

   arguecontenddebatefence

   Examples

   Let's not quibble over pennies