1
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
the police broke up the fracas in the bar and threw both combatants in the lockup
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2
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
police preparing for any fracas that might follow the soccer game
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Recent Examples of fracas
Whether the fracas was Zelensky's fault or not, the fallout for Ukraine could be severe.
—
Barak Ravid, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Back during the Winning Time fracas, the pushback from the Lakers’ orbit tended to center on notions of its accuracy.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
But at the heart of the fracas was Mitchell against Bane, who is 6-5.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
For those who have been blissfully able to avoid the whole fracas, Blake Lively‘s December complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which then became the basis of a lawsuit, was the opening salvo in this uncivil war.
—Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Barak Ravid, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Back during the Winning Time fracas, the pushback from the Lakers’ orbit tended to center on notions of its accuracy.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
But at the heart of the fracas was Mitchell against Bane, who is 6-5.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
For those who have been blissfully able to avoid the whole fracas, Blake Lively‘s December complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which then became the basis of a lawsuit, was the opening salvo in this uncivil war.
—Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fracas
Noun
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The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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With Sam’s help, the team learns that a military contractor has been committing war crimes (and murdering to cover it up), which launches a massive brawl aboard a ship full of very bad Russians.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Panthers center Sam Bennett, who had a contentious altercation with Marchand in Round 2 of the playoffs last year, said Marchand’s first message after being added to the team group chat was a chirp.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
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The footage shows an altercation between Perez and a man that officials say lasted for about 15 minutes before officers arrived on the scene.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In short, Saturday's clash will bring to a head a battle between two families, two fighters caught in a war started by their fathers, and Eubank won't even have his by his side as they are still estranged.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Trump administration is also embroiled in a contentious legal battle regarding deportation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The fight is actually bigger than just, oh, how much money does Harvard have?—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2025
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Medicaid fight will be front and center A major point of contention is cuts to Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program for people with disabilities and low-income adults.—
Claudia Grisales,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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From casting backlash and political dustups to a lingering conversation of how to portray the tale's dwarfs in 2025, here's a timeline detailing the Snow White live-action remake's controversies.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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In a world gone mad, at least one constant remains: People in positions of power are still absolutely losing their minds over petty social media dustups, reacting in ways that just make everything worse.—
Nate Anderson,
Ars Technica,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fracas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fracas. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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