difference of opinion, dispute, difference, conflict - a disagreement or argument about something important; "he had a dispute with his wife"; "there were irreconcilable differences"; "the familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats"

argle-bargle, argy-bargy - a verbal dispute; a wrangling argument

firestorm - an outburst of controversy; "the incident triggered a political firestorm"

sparring - an argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage

polemic - a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)

fight - an intense verbal dispute; "a violent fight over the bill is expected in the Senate"