Quibble

['kwɪb(ə)l] or ['kwɪbl]

Definition

(noun.) an evasion of the point of an argument by raising irrelevant distinctions or objections.

(verb.) argue over petty things; 'Let's not quibble over pennies'.

(verb.) evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections.

Inputed by Carmela--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A shift or turn from the point in question; a trifling or evasive distinction; an evasion; a cavil.

(n.) A pun; a low conceit.

(v. i.) To evade the point in question by artifice, play upon words, caviling, or by raising any insignificant or impertinent question or point; to trifle in argument or discourse; to equivocate.

(v. i.) To pun; to practice punning.

Typed by Jeanette

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. [1]. Evasion (by verbal subtlety), cavil, subterfuge, prevarication, equivocation, sophism, quiddity, trifling nicety.[2]. Pun, clinch, CALEMBOUR, play upon words.

v. n. [1]. Cavil, shuffle, prevaricate, equivocate, practise evasion, evade the truth.[2]. Pun, play upon words.

Checker: Ophelia

Synonyms and Antonyms

SYN:Shuffle, evade, trifle, cavil, equivocate, prevaricate

ANT:Reason, argue, enunciate, investigate, discuss

Checker: Victoria

Definition

n. a turning away from the point in question into matters irrelevant or insignificant: an evasion a pun: a petty conceit.—v.i. to evade a question by a play upon words: to cavil: to trifle in argument: to pun.—n. Quibb′ler.—adv. Quibb′lingly.

Edited by Cathryn