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niggle

nounverb
Quick answer

As a noun, niggle means a minor complaint or problem. As a verb, it means use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner.

Meanings of niggle

8 meanings

noun

  1. A minor complaint or problem.

Older and rare meanings (1)

  1. obsoleteSmall, cramped handwriting.

verb

  1. To use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner.

  2. To dwell too much on minor points or on trifling details.

  3. mostly ukTo fidget, fiddle, be restless.

  4. Worry unnecessarily or excessively

    “don't fuss too much over the grandchildren — they are quite big now”

    Similar: fuss, fret

  5. Argue over petty things

    “Let's not quibble over pennies”

    Similar: quibble, pettifog, bicker, squabble, brabble
Older and rare meanings (1)

  1. obsoleteTo trifle with; to deceive; to mock.

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

Synonyms by meaning

All synonyms for niggle →
verb: worry unnecessarily or excessively
fussfret
verb: argue over petty things
quibblepettifogbickersquabblebrabble

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Nearby words

nieceniftyNigerianniggardniggardlyniggernigglingnighnightnight lifenight shiftnightcap