clash

1 of 2

verb

clashed; clashing; clashes

intransitive verb

1
: to make a clash
cymbals clashed
2
: to come into conflict
where ignorant armies clash by nightMatthew Arnold
also : to be incompatible
the colors clashed

transitive verb

: to cause to clash
clasher noun

clash

2 of 2

noun

1
: a noisy usually metallic sound of collision
2
a
: a hostile encounter : skirmish
b
: a sharp conflict
a clash of opinions

Examples of clash in a Sentence

Verb Police and protesters clashed yesterday. The sofa and the chair clash. She ended the song by clashing the cymbals. Noun Hundreds were killed in ethnic clashes in the region last month. a clash between rival gangs that resulted in some serious injuries
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
As of Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Boise State’s road clash with UNLV, Degenhart has 1,751 career points, good for fifth place in Boise State history. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Feb. 2025 Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will also clash with rebellious Uranus on Feb. 10 — expect an unexpected message or a sudden revelation. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
At stake in the clash with rival Buffalo Bills is a trip to the Super Bowl and a bid for a historic Super Bowl three-peat for the Chiefs. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, the Bruins are flying high after a 2-0 shutout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and with a strong defensive showing and reliable goaltending, Boston will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's clash. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clash 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clash was circa 1500

Dictionary Entries Near clash

Cite this Entry

“Clash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clash. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

clash

1 of 2 verb
1
: to make a clash
clashing cymbals
2
a
: to come into conflict
pickets clashed with the police
b
: to not match well
our ideas clashed
some colors clash
clasher noun

clash

2 of 2 noun
1
: a loud sharp sound usually of metal striking metal
the clash of swords
2
: a sharp fight or strong disagreement

More from Merriam-Webster on clash

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