What is another word for cavil?

Pronunciation: [kˈavə͡l] (IPA)

Cavil, meaning to find fault or nitpick, has several synonyms that share its negative connotation. These synonyms include quibble, criticize, complain, object, nitpick, fault-find, carp, and trifle. All of these words indicate a tendency to focus on minor details, often to the point of missing the big picture or dismissing major accomplishments. While constructive criticism can be helpful, the act of caviling can be frustrating and demotivating. If you find yourself caviling frequently, it may be worth taking a step back and considering the overall impact of the situation, rather than getting caught up in small details.

Synonyms for Cavil:

What are the hypernyms for Cavil?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the hyponyms for Cavil?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.

Usage examples for Cavil

His appearance and behaviour proclaimed these points beyond cavil; and in such matters the instinct of the rustic is rarely incorrect.
"The White Gauntlet"
Mayne Reid
But he was right beyond cavil on the main point.
"Thomas Hart Benton"
Theodore Roosevelt
And, as a man of genius, with a strong practical purpose to do moral good to his fellows, his choice of his vocation must be accepted without cavil.
"Roman Society from Nero to Marcus Aurelius"
Samuel Dill

Famous quotes with Cavil

  • I say that democracy can never prove itself beyond cavil, until it founds and luxuriantly grows its own forms of art, poems, schools, theology, displacing all that exists, or that has been produced anywhere in the past, under opposite influences.
    Walt Whitman
  • Bluster, sputter, question, cavil; but be sure your argument be intricate enough to confound the court.
    William Wycherley
  • I say that democracy can never prove itself beyond cavil, until it founds and luxuriantly grows its own forms of art, poems, schools, theology, displacing all that exists, or that has been produced anywhere in the past, under opposite influences.
    Walt Whitman

Word of the Day

inconstructible
The word "inconstructible" suggests that something is impossible to construct or build. Its antonyms, therefore, would be words that imply the opposite. For example, "constructible...