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cavil
[kav-uhl]
verb (used without object)
to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually followed by at orabout ).
He finds something to cavil at in everything I say.
Synonyms: , ,
verb (used with object)
to oppose by inconsequential, frivolous, or sham objections.
to cavil each item of a proposed agenda.
noun
a trivial and annoying objection.
the raising of such objections.
cavil
/ ˈæɪ /
verb
(intr; foll by at or about) to raise annoying petty objections; quibble; carp
noun
a captious trifling objection
Other Word Forms
- caviler noun
- cavilingly adverb
- outcavil verb (used with object)
- uncaviling adjective
- uncavilling adjective
- ˈ noun
- ˈԲ adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of cavil1
Word History and Origins
Origin of cavil1
Example Sentences
This proposal generated cavils in the chattering classes that it would drive home prices up to absorb the $25,000 grant, putatively keeping homes out of the reach of the beneficiaries.
"Mueller's long report explained precisely his reasons for his prosecutorial decisions. Durham just recycles old cavils about the launching of the Russia investigation that have zero connection to any alleged crime. It's bogus," he tweeted.
But Mr. Sunak’s critics fell into predictable cavils about “rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”
artist would want to tap into the flow of my caviling thoughts in the middle of a performance?
The Justice Department, on the other hand, needs to develop a legal case consisting of admissible evidence proving criminal guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and if possible beyond Republican cavil as well.
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