► argument a situation in which people speak angrily to each other because they disagree about something: · an argument between two drivers over who had right of way· A 29-year-old man was shot and killed today after an argument over a gambling debt.
► row British English, fight especially American English a loud angry argument with someone, especially your boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone in your family. Row is also used about a serious disagreement between politicians about important public issues: · There were always fights between my parents.· the continuing row over tax increases· A few months ago they had a big row, and Steve drove off and spent the weekend in London.
► disagreement a situation in which people disagree with each other, but without shouting or getting angry: · There were the occasional disagreements about money, but mostly we got on well.· Ginny had left the company after a disagreement with her boss.
► quarrel especially British English an argument, especially one in which people get angry and that lasts a long time. Quarrel sounds more formal and more serious than argument or row: · a bitter family quarrel
► feud a very bitter argument between two groups, especially families, which lasts for many years and causes people to hate each other: · The feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys raged for 20 years.
► dispute a public or legal argument about something, especially one which continues for a long time: · Morris has been involved in a long legal dispute with his publisher.· The settlement will resolve a long-running dispute over the country’s nuclear program.
► war/battle of words an argument in which two people or groups criticize each other continuously in public: · The war of words over construction delays at the airport has erupted again.
► bust-up British English informal a very bad argument, especially one in which people decide to separate from each other: · He had a bust-up with the team manager.
► shouting match an angry argument in which people shout at each other: · He got into a shouting match with another driver.
► slanging match British English informal an argument in which people insult each other: · He was sacked after a slanging match with a colleague.