1
as in brawls
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
during the play-offs, fans of the opposing teams clashed in the streets in several free-for-alls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in hells
a state in which everything is out of order
it was a free-for-all when the doors to the arena opened and the crowd rushed in all at once
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for free-for-alls
Noun
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The change had come following years of youth disturbances, including major brawls and nearby shootings.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026 -
There are five consecutive brawls in the final two minutes, including one involving both goalies.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Smith stays largely mum on the news of the day, be that Kirk’s killing, or ICE raids, or whatever hells await in the coming weeks.—
Sam Kestenbaum,
Vulture,
2 Jan. 2026
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The protagonist's youth doesn't defang the story, as Silent Hill f wastes no time thrusting Hinako and her friends into their personal hells.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
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The result also spotlights conference championships’ awkward fit in the current system, particularly given the fact that conference expansion has led to jumbles atop each league’s standings.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
7 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
This plastic table cover does the trick while offering convenient use and protection against spills and messes.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
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Rebecca Sheppard specializes in untangling other people’s financial messes.—
Joel Jacobs,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Before the Lost Weekend, John and Yoko had their New York Year — turning their personal confusions into beautifully vivid moments of rage and pain.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Originally a 16th-round pick out of the University of Washington in 2021, Ward has set himself apart throughout his minor league career for his ability to get on base and cause havoc.—
Mac Cerullo,
Hartford Courant,
12 Mar. 2026
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Numerous types of nematodes and pests can create havoc with a carrot crop, especially those that love carrot roots.—
Haniya Rae,
Martha Stewart,
12 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Free-for-alls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/free-for-alls. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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