Synonyms for

Barney

Verb / ˈbɑ:rni: / Another word for barney — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a male given name, a friendly argument or fight

Synonyms & similar words

argument dispute quarrel fight altercation controversy brawl scuffle tussle fracas row spat wrangle clash struggle discussion debate conversation chat talk

Synonyms by register

Formal

dispute contention argumentation quarrel

Informal

brawl fracas dust-up tussle row

Literary

altercation feud skirmish

Antonyms

peace calm accord harmony agreement truce

Common collocations

  • have a barney
  • start a barney
  • end a barney
  • a bit of a barney
  • a huge barney
  • a silly barney

Word family

noun barney
verb barney

Usage note

Primarily used in British English, 'barney' refers to a noisy quarrel or fight. It is informal and often implies a somewhat petty or boisterous dispute.

Example sentences

  1. We had a barney over which game to play.
  2. Barney is a cool name for a dog.
  3. I don't want to start a barney with you.
  4. Tommy and Johnny had a little barney over who would get the last cookie.
  5. My sister and I had a barney over which movie to watch.

Quotes

  • 'I love you, you love me, we're a happy family.' - Barney the Dinosaur
  • 'Barney was a character who was unlike anything else on TV at that time.' - Fred Seibert
  • 'Barney is a dinosaur from our imagination.' - Barney the Dinosaur

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