Cavil: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'cavil' when someone is raising petty or trivial objections, often over minor details that do not significantly impact the overall situation.

• She always cavils at the smallest mistakes in the reports
• It's hard to have a productive meeting when someone cavils over every detail

Use 'quibble' when someone is arguing or raising objections about a trivial matter. It can suggest that the person is avoiding the main issue by focusing on minor points.

• They quibbled over the price of the ticket
• Rather than addressing the main problem, he quibbled about the wording of the complaint

Use 'nitpick' when someone is being overly concerned with insignificant details, often in an irritating or excessive manner. This term often has a negative connotation.

• He always nitpicks the most trivial mistakes
• Stop nitpicking and focus on the bigger picture

Use 'complain' when someone is expressing dissatisfaction or concern about a situation, often in a more general or substantive manner.

• He complained to the manager about the poor service
• She complains about her job every day

Use 'find fault' when someone is looking for errors or issues in something, often with a critical attitude and sometimes without good reason.

• He's quick to find fault with other people's work
• It seems like she loves finding fault in everything I do

Used mainly when someone is making petty or unnecessary objections or criticisms. It suggests a minor or trivial nature.

• She could cavil over the smallest details in the report.
• They caviled at the way he pronounced the name.

Used to express disapproval or opposition, often in formal settings like courtrooms or meetings. It implies a clear and often logical disagreement with something.

• The lawyer raised an objection during the trial.
• He voiced his objection to the new policy.

Describes minor and seemingly insignificant objections or criticisms. It's similar to 'cavil' but often suggests that the objections are not only minor but also trivial or nitpicking.

• They never argue about important issues, only quibble over trivial matters.
• Don't quibble over the price; focus on the value.

Refers to a discussion or exchange of differing viewpoints, which can be either friendly or hostile. It doesn't necessarily imply negativity but often involves strong emotions or differing opinions.

• They had a heated argument about politics last night.
• The lawyer presented a strong argument in court.

Indicates a serious disagreement or conflict, often involving legal or formal matters. It typically suggests a more intense or prolonged argument.

• The neighbors are in a dispute over property boundaries.
• The contract dispute went to arbitration.