What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nitpick
Example
He always nitpicks about the way I fold the laundry. [nitpicks: verb]
Example
She is known for her nitpicking behavior, always finding something to complain about. [nitpicking: noun]
quibble
Example
Don't quibble over the small details, let's focus on the bigger picture. [quibble: verb]
Example
His constant quibbling over minor issues made it difficult to work with him. [quibbling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quibble is more commonly used than nitpick in everyday language. Quibble is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nitpick is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nitpick and quibble?
Both nitpick and quibble can be used in formal or informal contexts, but nitpick is generally considered more informal and colloquial than quibble.
