What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squabble
Example
The siblings had a squabble over who gets to use the computer first. [squabble: noun]
Example
The neighbors squabbled loudly over the property line. [squabbled: past tense]
bickering
Example
The couple's bickering over household chores was getting on each other's nerves. [bickering: gerund]
Example
The coworkers were bickering about who should take the lead on the project. [bickering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bickering is more commonly used than squabble in everyday language. Bickering is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while squabble is less common and refers to a more intense argument.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squabble and bickering?
Both squabble and bickering are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
