spats

NOUN

dispute, quarrel

Synonyms

STRONGEST

altercation bickering brouhaha difference of opinion disagreement discord falling-out feud flare-up fracas friction misunderstanding run-in squabble strife tiff

STRONG

argument beef conflict dissension embroilment fuss hubbub miff row rumpus words

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreement concord concurrence harmony peace

STRONG

calm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

spats

“Right now, I couldn’t buy spats for a hummingbird.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026

The prince has also been involved in other legal spats, including over his police protection in the UK.

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026

Weiss’s takeover of CBS News and her editorial decision-making have led to spats with the network’s top talent that have spilled into public view.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026

Harrison says sibling spats were the least of the pair's worries as they took on the voyage.

From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2026

And from around the wagon stepped a large beetlelike insect dressed in a lavish coat, striped pants, checked vest, spats, and a derby hat.

From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster