Quibbles

To engage in petty arguments or objections, often over trivial matters. It implies a reluctance to agree or a tendency to find fault, especially when it's based on unimportant details. quibbles can derail productive conversations and are often perceived as an attempt to avoid the main issue or delay a decision. They are characterized by nitpicking, hair-splitting, and a focus on inconsequential points. The underlying intent behind quibbling can range from genuine concern for accuracy to a desire to control or annoy.

Quibbles meaning with examples

• The contract negotiations stalled because of endless quibbles over minor wording changes. The lawyer kept bringing up irrelevant points, trying to get the upper hand. The other party was growing weary of the trivial arguments which appeared to delay any decisions. It ended up going into litigation before an agreement could be reached.
• Instead of addressing the urgent issues, the committee spent the entire meeting in quibbles about the color of the new stationary. No progress was made. Some members even took exception to the shades of blue. It was clear that some of the people were not taking this seriously, or were avoiding larger issues.
• During the debate, the candidate spent more time quibbling over statistics. Some of the facts were completely true. Others were not important. The audience started to disengage, looking forward to the actual questions. Many found this tactic annoying and evasive.
• The couple's constant quibbles about household chores were slowly eroding their relationship. Both were very busy at work, and neither seemed to want to help around the house. It was difficult for them to work together, and so resentment slowly grew. The marriage did not end up surviving.
• Despite the overwhelming evidence, the defendant persisted in quibbling about the interpretation of a single witness’s testimony. This didn't help his case at all. This only served to frustrate the jury, who wanted to see the correct outcome happen. The trial did not end well.