1
as in fight
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
passing the medical licensing exam was an uphill battle, but she succeeded
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a battle between rival gangs left two people lying dead on the street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war
soldiers who desperately wanted to forget the horrors that they had witnessed in battle
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4
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the chess game was a real battle between two of the world's best players
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1
2
3
as in to fight
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict
the two armies battled each other for control of the bridge
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4
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate
we must battle hunger and poverty wherever they exist
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of battle
Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
Amid his ongoing legal battles with President Donald Trump’s administration, Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday announced the results of Operation Coast to Coast, a nationwide human trafficking effort to share intelligence, identify victims and arrest perpetrators.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Matt O'Brien, Christian Science Monitor, 13 June 2025
Between battling global emergencies involving nuclear weapons, Greta and Luke discuss the perils of aging.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for battle
Noun
Ananda Lewis, the former MTV VJ and talk show host, has died after a six-year battle with breast cancer.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025
Amid his ongoing legal battles with President Donald Trump’s administration, Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday announced the results of Operation Coast to Coast, a nationwide human trafficking effort to share intelligence, identify victims and arrest perpetrators.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
Cracking open the vaults to centuries-old tomes could be a data bonanza for tech companies battling lawsuits from living novelists, visual artists, and others whose creative works have been scooped up without their consent to train AI chatbots.
—Matt O'Brien, Christian Science Monitor, 13 June 2025
Between battling global emergencies involving nuclear weapons, Greta and Luke discuss the perils of aging.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for battle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for battle
Noun
-
The Panthers are ready for a fight in this series, always, wherever.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2025
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Another case is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their fight over a massive dam that is having an effect on the magnificent Nile River.—
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Noun
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One skirmish involved the arrest of a union leader, David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union of California, who said he was injured and detained by ICE.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA Today,
9 June 2025
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Alongside Israeli military drills, stalled diplomatic talks, and proxy skirmishes, these hostile warnings signal a dangerous escalation.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the Royals grounds crew raced to the field to put on the tarp.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2025
-
Defensive end Sam Williams returned to the practice field for the first time without a brace since tearing his ACL last July.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2025
Noun
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Rivals follows the rivalry between an old money MP, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), who clash over control of a fictional independent TV station in the 1980s.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
13 June 2025
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According to a report from TMZ Sports, the on-screen rivalry has become deeply personal.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
The veteran-laden Seattle squad competes nightly and has one of the strongest defenses in the league, buoyed by Ezi Magbegor and Nneka Ogwumike.—
Devin Robertson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
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Those chasing the next AI tool without solving their data issues will struggle to compete.—
Hariharan Kolam,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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One university, Oregon, is already facing an existing Title IX class action lawsuit that includes claims of inequitable treatment related to NIL opportunities and resources.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 June 2025
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Because then all of a sudden you’re faced with all of these different philosophies and traditions.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Verb
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Lebanon has been in talks with the International Monetary Fund for years over a recovery plan that would include billions in loans and require the country to combat corruption, restructure its banks, and bring improvements to diverse public services, including electricity and water.—
Kareem Chehayeb,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
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Lawn mowing encourages lateral shoot growth, resulting in a thicker lawn that is better able to combat weeds.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Local Democratic leaders had opposed the move, accusing the Republican president of fueling the disorder.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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At the time, Paul was opposing Trump’s nomination of Mike Pompeo, then the CIA director, for secretary of state.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Battle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/battle. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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