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cavil

/kævɪl/ verb · British & US
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What does cavil mean?

verb

to find fault with something in a petty or hairsplitting way; to quibble. To cavil at something is to criticize it in a way that is overly critical or pedantic.

Example

"He began to cavil at the small print in the contract, looking for any excuse to back out of the deal."

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Etymologically related

Synonyms for cavil

Antonyms of cavil

Rhymes with cavil