1
as in skirmishes
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a clash between rival gangs that resulted in some serious injuries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in rattles
the loud sound made when metal strikes metal
the clash of cymbals
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in conflicts
to be out of harmony or agreement usually noticeably
the colors of your shirt and pants clash a parent's idea of proper dress often clashes with a teenager's
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of clashes
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long seen clashes between security forces, insurgents and drug smugglers.
—
Alex Sundby,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
There also were clashes between James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
Tensions have already erupted into clashes and mass displacement, with police routinely using rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse migrants and protesters.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
29 June 2026
The clashes between committee members and Abergel went nuclear after Charlie Kirk’s killing.
—
Philip Wang,
Time,
29 June 2026
But sporadic clashes have continued between Israel and Hezbollah.
—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
28 June 2026
Social interactions may stir up complicated feelings when the Libra moon clashes with Mercury.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Enter Maddie’s Secret, Early’s directorial debut, which follows a chef at GourMaybe Test Kitchen whose rising place in the food-influencer world clashes with her lifelong struggle with bulimia.
—
Ct Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2026
Usa Today,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Nader is set to play Selene, a captain of the Zuma Beach Lifeguards, who often clashes with Amell's character, Hobie Buchannon, her fellow co-captain.
—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Just be mindful when Venus clashes with Pluto retrograde on June 17 — attraction can turn into obsession if power dynamics (or boundaries) are off.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Azure Blue Azure blue also clashes with the warm, 3000K, soft white bulb that most of us prefer for a relaxing soak.
—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
Matty is a blustering, blue-collar Bostonian who sees himself as the unequivocal boss of the house and frequently clashes with his liberal niece Blaire, an outspoken college student who often finds herself at odds with her more traditional-minded relatives.
—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
But occasionally there can be personality clashes or people who other people on the trip find annoying.
—
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long seen clashes between security forces, insurgents and drug smugglers.
—
Alex Sundby,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
There also were clashes between James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
30 June 2026
Tensions have already erupted into clashes and mass displacement, with police routinely using rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse migrants and protesters.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
29 June 2026
The clashes between committee members and Abergel went nuclear after Charlie Kirk’s killing.
—
Philip Wang,
Time,
29 June 2026
But sporadic clashes have continued between Israel and Hezbollah.
—
Jon Gambrell,
Fortune,
28 June 2026
Social interactions may stir up complicated feelings when the Libra moon clashes with Mercury.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
Enter Maddie’s Secret, Early’s directorial debut, which follows a chef at GourMaybe Test Kitchen whose rising place in the food-influencer world clashes with her lifelong struggle with bulimia.
—
Ct Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2026
Verb
Getting things done may be harder than usual when the sun clashes with Neptune.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
Nader is set to play Selene, a captain of the Zuma Beach Lifeguards, who often clashes with Amell's character, Hobie Buchannon, her fellow co-captain.
—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Just be mindful when Venus clashes with Pluto retrograde on June 17 — attraction can turn into obsession if power dynamics (or boundaries) are off.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Azure Blue Azure blue also clashes with the warm, 3000K, soft white bulb that most of us prefer for a relaxing soak.
—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
Matty is a blustering, blue-collar Bostonian who sees himself as the unequivocal boss of the house and frequently clashes with his liberal niece Blaire, an outspoken college student who often finds herself at odds with her more traditional-minded relatives.
—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clashes
Noun
-
Johnson brushes off the skirmishes, broadly speaking, as part of the governing process.
-
While the war ended years before, the hostility spread from the stands — with skirmishes among supporters — into the field, when Maradona tricked the referee and the world with the World Cup’s most infamous goal, punching the ball into the net with his fist above England’s goalie Peter Shilton.
Noun
-
The seeds are loose and clatter around inside the pods, giving baptisia the name rattleweed, as children once used the seedpods as rattles.
-
With dresses and intimate wear for women; jewelry; personal care products; men’s wallets; baby swaddles, stuffies, rattles and teething toys; dog leashes, collars and toys; greeting cards and a wide range of home decor, the store is drawing people in.
Verb
-
Olathe Schools also agreed to revise or remove any policies, guidance or website content that conflicts with the department’s interpretations of Title IX and Kansas law.
-
In an oppositional reading of a media text, the audience comprehends that the message conflicts with or contradicts their personal experiences of society.
Noun
-
Skoog said he was honored to receive Sayers’ endorsement, saying mayors are focused on delivering results rather than engaging in political fights.
-
For five months, sentiment ran consistently negative, dragged down by trade disputes, NATO burden-sharing fights and the general friction between Washington and European capitals.
Noun
-
Blown-up images of the Patriots’ Super Bowl rings adorn the hallways leading into the command center.
-
The kit includes a 25-foot pole with an installation sleeve and gold ball top, a 3-foot-by-5-foot flag and swivel rings and harness that allow the flag to fly freely.
Verb
-
Debate over the World War I-era killings, widely seen by scholars as the first genocide of the 20th century, now collides with international accusations over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
-
During its journey through the atmosphere over tens of miles, the asteroid collides with air molecules, and the incredible temperatures and pressure usually vaporize it.
Noun
-
On Friday, Putin visited the Russian military headquarters directing the action in Ukraine to receive a report on the capture of the city of Kostyantynivka after weeks of intense street battles.
-
Legal battles can discourage farmers Mora said the years-long litigation has left him feeling frustrated and defenseless.
Noun
-
The album’s official versions smooth out some of the buzzy sibilance of the bootlegs, but Hold Onto Me Infinity accommodates lots of tasteful clangs and wubs.
Cite this Entry
“Clashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clashes. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
