as in complains
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant
caviled for hours about a single sentence
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cavils
Verb
-
Lauersdorf is always willing to answer constituent concerns, and never complains, said Heritage Homeowners’ Association vice president Jennifer Samuels in a Facebook post promoting the fundraising effort.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026 -
The narrator in Pseudo-Quintilian’s fiction complains of the unfairness of the bout.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Avoid money quarrels with everyone.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After less than eight months on the job, Kent resigned to protest the war and has since gone public with blistering criticisms of the administration.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Johnson has pushed back on Witzburg's criticisms, saying her time as inspector general has politicized the office, damaging its independence and credibility.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Freight House building creaks and moans underfoot, and passing trains produce little more than a subtle hum.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Back in the car, Albert moans and groans while Billie shrieks in panic.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
When Joseph pops his head into the studio, insisting, over Gordy’s objections, that Michael has taken up too much of his time, Michael hugs Gordy goodbye.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
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Hegseth forced out the army chief of staff, General Randy George, a close ally of Driscoll’s, despite Driscoll’s objections.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So your first indication of problems can be a client who nitpicks every job, forcing you to return to re-trim the 2-inch patch of sod that the client claims wasn’t properly manicured.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
-
But Brian constantly nitpicks her purchases.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Pig myths and misunderstandings McLeod and Jennings are quick to dispel myths about their family of pigs.—
Eric Adler
April 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Washington and Hollywood have long had an awkward relationship, with players in each power center harboring insecurities and misunderstandings about the other as politics and entertainment have steadily merged into a single cultural force.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Season two is largely about power dynamics and money squabbles between players, co-workers, family members and friends.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The playground squabbles should be sorted out with a good clout round to the head.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cavils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cavils. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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