as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
several chairs were knocked over in the scuffle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily
she scuffled along in shoes that were much too large for her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery
the burglar and the homeowner briefly scuffled together in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of scuffle
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024
So, yes, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be scuffling at the moment.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Ohio State Buckeyes players scuffle with Michigan Wolverines players on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024
Protesters gathered and blocked roads in several other spots across the country, and Israeli TV stations showed images of police scuffling with protesters.
—Josef Federman, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scuffle 
Verb
In footage caught by an unnamed apparel store, the former friends could be seen having an intense discussion before scuffling inside the establishment.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024
So, yes, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be scuffling at the moment.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Ohio State Buckeyes players scuffle with Michigan Wolverines players on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024
Protesters gathered and blocked roads in several other spots across the country, and Israeli TV stations showed images of police scuffling with protesters.
—Josef Federman, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scuffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuffle
Noun
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He’s been seen in multiple skirmishes with Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans as the two players competed during NFC South rivalry games when the cornerback was on the Saints.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
26 Jan. 2025
-
North Carolina politics: A skirmish has erupted over a state Supreme Court race in the Tar Heel State more than two months after Democrats narrowly clinched the seat.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Rihanna was shuffled out through a restricted exit by deputies, and Rocky left separately through the main courthouse doors.—
Andrew Dalton,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2025
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The impact is evident, with the Panthers having to shuffle defense pairings and rely on players who usually handle lesser roles to contribute bigger minutes when Ekblad is out.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Broadly speaking, several countries are wrestling with the damage wrought by the drug trade, fragile public institutions, human trafficking and organized crime.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
-
On April 10, 2021, wrestling fans at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, witnessed history.—
Martie Bowser,
Essence,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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At stake in the clash with rival Buffalo Bills is a trip to the Super Bowl and a bid for a historic Super Bowl three-peat for the Chiefs.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2025
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Meanwhile, the Bruins are flying high after a 2-0 shutout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and with a strong defensive showing and reliable goaltending, Boston will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's clash.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Then came an unexpected loss to West Virginia in the Bahamas and a few high-profile December stumbles.—
Jon Wilner,
The Mercury News,
3 Feb. 2025
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It's been nearly two weeks since Billy Ray Cyrus stumbled onstage during a performance at President Donald Trump's inauguration celebration.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
Fox News,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In response, in the 2024 election, 22 states with strong public support, voted to fight climate change, approving billions of dollars in new spending.—
Stanley S. Litow,
New York Daily News,
2 Feb. 2025
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The events in Fassler’s timeline relate to freedoms (denied and protected) and discrimination (applied and fought against).—
Mara Hoberman,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Her non-exhaustive account of the battle for equal rights in America includes more than one hundred laws, court rulings, murders, assassinations, books, films, protests, and riots.—
Mara Hoberman,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
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That may be the battle in your head as the Pisces moon aggravates Jupiter.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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An unknown woman enters the frame, prominently stomping through the water behind Ljunggren and Sorensen.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
28 Jan. 2025
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Loading your audio article With a mix of ferocity and finesse, three ancient lion costumes sway side to side, shaking their bodies and stomping their feet.—
Stephanie Lam,
The Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near scuffle
Cite this Entry
“Scuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scuffle. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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