Caviling — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /ˈka-vəl/ cav·il

Meaning & Definition of Caviling

Caviling (verb)

  1. to raise trivial and frivolous objection
  2. to raise trivial objections to

Caviling (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. given to making or expressing unfavorable judgments about things

    "a caviling theater critic who has yet to see a play she likes"

    similar: captious, carping, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, judgmental, overcritical, rejective
    related: discerning, discriminating, judicious, demanding, exacting, fastidious, finical, finicky, fussy, nitpicky, particular, picky, pettifogging, quibbling, harsh, merciless, uncharitable, unforgiving
    opposite: uncritical
    near: undiscriminating, undemanding, unfussy, charitable, forgiving

Caviling (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant

    "caviled for hours about a single sentence"

    similar: carping, fussing, niggling, nitpicking, quibbling, splitting hairs
    related: criticizing, faulting, beefing, bellyaching, bitching, complaining, crabbing, croaking, griping, grousing, growling, grumbling, kicking, kvetching, moaning, squawking, squealing, wailing, whimpering, whining, yammering, yawping, yowling, murmuring, muttering
    near: applauding, commending, complimenting, praising, recommending, approving, backing, championing, endorsing, supporting

Related Entry: Cavil (verb)

Cavil is a different word from Caviling. The synonyms below are for cavil, not for caviling.

  1. to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant

    "caviled for hours about a single sentence"

    similar: carp, fuss, niggle, nitpick, quibble, split hairs
    related: criticize, fault, beef, bellyache, bitch, complain, crab, croak, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, kvetch, moan, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, yammer, yawp, yowl, murmur, mutter
    near: applaud, commend, compliment, praise, recommend, approve, back, champion, endorse, support

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Caviling

The most common words with a similar meaning to Caviling:

captious, carping, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, judgmental, overcritical, rejective, fussing, niggling, nitpicking, quibbling, splitting hairs

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Caviling

Words with the opposite meaning of Caviling:

uncritical

Related Words for Caviling

discerning, discriminating, judicious, demanding, exacting, fastidious, finical, finicky, fussy, nitpicky, particular, picky, pettifogging, harsh, merciless, uncharitable, unforgiving, criticizing, faulting, beefing, bellyaching, bitching, complaining, crabbing, croaking, griping, grousing, growling, grumbling, kicking

Near Antonyms of Caviling

undiscriminating, undemanding, unfussy, charitable, forgiving, applauding, commending, complimenting, praising, recommending, approving, backing, championing, endorsing, supporting

Word Forms of Caviling

Inflections: caviled, cavilled, cavilling

Derived words: cavil (noun), caviler (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Caviling

Latin cavillari to jest, cavil, from cavilla raillery; akin to Latin calvi to deceive calumny

First known use: 1542i

Frequently Asked Questions about Caviling

What does "Caviling" mean?

"Caviling" means to raise trivial and frivolous objection. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: to raise trivial and frivolous objection. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Caviling"?

Other words for "Caviling" include captious, carping, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, judgmental, overcritical and rejective. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Caviling" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Caviling"?

There are 55 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Caviling". Common alternatives include captious, carping, critical, faultfinding, hypercritical, judgmental, overcritical, rejective, fussing and niggling.

What is the opposite of "Caviling"?

Antonyms of "Caviling" include uncritical. Near antonyms include undiscriminating, undemanding, unfussy and charitable.

How do you use "Caviling" in a sentence?

Examples of "Caviling" in a sentence: "a caviling theater critic who has yet to see a play she likes"; "caviled for hours about a single sentence".

Is "Caviling" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Caviling" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Caviling"?

"Caviling" is pronounced /ˈka-vəl/ and divided into syllables as cav·il.

What is the origin of the word "Caviling"?

"Caviling" comes from Latin cavillari to jest, cavil, from cavilla raillery; akin to Latin calvi to deceive calumny. First known use: 1542i.