Thesaurus.net

What is another word for cavil?

2458 synonyms found

Pronunciation:

[ kˈavə͡l], [ kˈavə‍l], [ k_ˈa_v_əl]

Synonyms for Cavil:

How to use "Cavil" in context?

There is no one word that perfectly encapsulates all that is wrong with criticizing someone. That's why we have "cavil," one of the most irritating and dismissive words humanity has come up with.

The root of the word is "to whimper, groan, or complain in a querulous or censorious manner," and it traces back to the Latin word cavus, meaning "bent, curved, or twisted." So when our ancestors started complaining about the weather and other people, they were using the same word that still describes snapping at a mosquito or getting angry with a sibling.

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