as in quarrels
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
judging from all the slamming and banging, I'd say there was some sort of altercation going on next door
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Recent Examples of altercations
The lawsuit claims that Metcalf had a history of being involved in altercations and alleges that Ford Field should have known about Metcalf's history and failed to protect Kennedy.
—
Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Clark warned him against becoming involved in any physical altercations.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
While many talk shows began as fitfully amusing discussions around relevant issues, some soon devolved into sordid and exploitative freak shows that encouraged verbal and physical altercations.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Although government officials have claimed that Good and Pretti were both aggressors in their altercations, footage captured by bystanders appeared to contradict those claims.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Agents themselves are pulling out their phones during altercations with protesters.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Days are pockmarked with flare-ups and altercations between federal agents and residents.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
While no physical altercations are visible in the video, the shouting underscored heightened tensions between the causes.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
The veteran guard has been suspended previously for altercations with other players.
—Matt Schubert, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Clark warned him against becoming involved in any physical altercations.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
While many talk shows began as fitfully amusing discussions around relevant issues, some soon devolved into sordid and exploitative freak shows that encouraged verbal and physical altercations.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Although government officials have claimed that Good and Pretti were both aggressors in their altercations, footage captured by bystanders appeared to contradict those claims.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Agents themselves are pulling out their phones during altercations with protesters.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
Days are pockmarked with flare-ups and altercations between federal agents and residents.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
While no physical altercations are visible in the video, the shouting underscored heightened tensions between the causes.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
The veteran guard has been suspended previously for altercations with other players.
—Matt Schubert, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercations
Noun
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His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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This is the style that Newsom has employed on broadcasts with figures like Kirk and in public quarrels with Joe Rogan.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At least five competing proposals have emerged from major coalitions, several of which have fractured in recent days as internal disputes deepened.—
JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
At least five competing proposals have emerged from major coalitions, several of which have fractured in recent days as internal disputes deepened.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Anthropic’s founders are former OpenAI employees who left over disagreements about the ChatGPT maker’s direction, approach to safety and pace of AI development.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Instead, Sarandos bit his tongue for what must have been the 20th time that afternoon and offered the mildest of disagreements, saying only that most Americans don’t view Netflix as either Republican or Democratic.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The House Ethics Committee, which is comprised of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans and tries to stay away from political fights, typically handles allegations involving lawmakers and their family members.—
Stephen Groves,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
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Pavel Rodon, manager of Havana 1957, said there were fewer fights and better control last year, but the barricades in front of his restaurant also hurt business.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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More recently, controversies like a Pokemon card game event that was originally planned to be held at a shrine to honor Japan’s war dead still triggered angry comments on Chinese social media, but no obvious broader repercussions.—
Chan Ho-Him,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
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Years of high-profile controversies — plea deals, pardons and investigations that feel politicized depending on who is involved — have left Americans skeptical that justice is blind.—
Kaitlyn Buss,
Boston Herald,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Madison Square Garden has issued a statement warning that anyone fighting at the arena could face a lifetime ban after multiple brawls broke out during an event on Friday.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
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So popular were the show's brawls that Springer's head of security, Steve Wilkos, became a celebrity unto himself, resulting in his own talk show that's currently in its 19th season.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ratcliffe’s comments align with the arguments made by Britain’s right-wing populist Reform UK party, which ties its anti-immigrant message to protecting the country.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
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The court is in the middle of a four-week break from hearing arguments and issuing opinions.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Reading the room, sensing discontent, having an antenna for misunderstandings among followers is not only key to garnering support but also to preventing resistance that can endanger your success.—
Paul Vanderbroeck,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
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Across North America and parts of Europe, budgeting and planning tools are increasingly used to support transparency and reduce misunderstandings around costs, helping couples manage expenses more confidently.—
Craig Lebrau,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altercations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercations. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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