QUIBBLE

KWIB-ul

Verb/Noun7 lettersValid in our Scrabble word list
Unscramble QUIBBLE

Quick definition

QUIBBLE To argue or complain about a trivial matter; a minor objection or criticism.

Is QUIBBLE a valid Scrabble word?

Yes. QUIBBLE is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 20 points in Scrabble, 24 in Words With Friends and 23 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.

LetterQUIBBLETotal
Scrabble1011331120
Words With Friends1021442124
Wordfeud1021441123

Definition and meaning

A quibble is a slight objection or criticism about a trivial matter, often seen as petty or unnecessary. As a verb, to quibble means to argue about minor details while potentially missing the larger point. It implies focusing on insignificant aspects rather than substantive issues.

The word captures a particular type of argumentative behavior - finding fault with small details rather than engaging with main arguments. Quibbling is often seen as an avoidance tactic or a sign of pedantry, though sometimes attention to detail is important.

In word games, 'quibble' offers good value as a 7-letter Q word with the common -IBBLE ending. The double B adds extra points while the familiar pattern makes it easier to remember and play than more exotic Q words.

QUIBBLE in a sentence

  • Let's not quibble over a few dollars when the overall budget is sound.
  • Her only quibble with the restaurant was the small portion sizes.
  • The editor had several quibbles about comma placement in the manuscript.

Synonyms

  • NITPICKFind minor faults
  • CAVILMake petty objections
  • CARPComplain continually
  • SPLIT HAIRSMake fine distinctions
  • BICKERArgue about trivia

Antonyms

  • AGREEConcur with
  • ACCEPTReceive willingly
  • CONCEDEAdmit or yield
  • APPROVEExpress favor

Word forms

  • Plural Form: quibbles
  • Verb Forms: quibble, quibbled, quibbling
  • Adjective Form: quibbling
  • Noun Form: quibbler

Origin

The word 'quibble' originated in the early 17th century, possibly from the obsolete 'quib' meaning a petty objection. Some etymologists link it to Latin 'quibus' (by which things), referring to legal language in documents. The word may have developed from the practice of lawyers arguing over the precise meaning of 'quibus' clauses in legal documents. The association with trivial argumentation has remained constant throughout its history.

Anagrams, hooks and words inside QUIBBLE

Anagrams: no other word uses exactly the letters of QUIBBLE.

Hooks: no front hooks; back QUIBBLED, QUIBBLER, QUIBBLES.

Words inside QUIBBLE: 21 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: QIBIBLEBLEBBLUBBULBBIBBUBEBBBILEBLUELUBEBEL. See all words from QUIBBLE.

Related words

Did you know?

  • Shakespeare used 'quibble' to describe his own weakness for wordplay and puns in his writing.
  • In medieval universities, 'quibbling' was actually a formal part of education - students practiced arguing fine points of logic.
  • Legal quibbling has changed history - Bill Clinton's 'It depends on what the meaning of is is' became infamous.

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