dustup

noun

ˈdəst-ˌəp How to pronounce dustup (audio)
Definition of dustupnext
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups he came home with a black eye from the dustup at the bar

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 dustup Bart Jansen The latest dustup between the United States and Iran is over the names of bodies of water. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 In February, fans watched a dustup between the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets. — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 29 May 2026 Hometown's owner, Rodney Ballance, dropped out of a state House of Representatives race after the dustup. — Arkansas Online, 28 Apr. 2026 Things settled down quickly after that, though the brief dustup ended with Contreras, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, Boston outfielder Nate Eaton and Mikolas being ejected. — CBS News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dustup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dustup
  1. skirmish
  2. clash
  3. battle
  4. fight
Noun
  • The skirmishes date back to shortly after Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City in July 2022.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s point toward Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner amid a heated skirmish during their game has gone mega viral.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of skirmish
Noun
  • With Brazil’s upcoming clash with Norway providing another physical challenge in the blistering New Jersey heat, is Casemiro a help or hindrance to his team?
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Your 3rd House of Communication tightens as the vibrant Sun activates it and clashes with restrictive Saturn in your 12th House of Solitude.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
Definition of clash
Noun
  • True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • There have been naval battles and beheadings and aerial battles and, well, more beheadings.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • What is clear is that centrist Democrats haven’t mounted much of a fight.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Railing against a new crop of progressive candidates has emerged as a more animating focus for a president who thrills to a fight.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

dusts
dustup
dustups
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Cite this Entry

“Dustup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dustup. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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