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as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
throughout the week of the convention, police engaged in skirmishes with some of the demonstrators
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to prospect
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skirmish
Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
The war began after several rounds of airstrikes and cross-border skirmishes, stemming from Pakistani claims that the Afghan government was harboring terrorists who used the country as a base to launch attacks against Pakistan.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
The curbs were initially enacted in 2020 after a border skirmish escalated tensions between the world’s two most populous nations.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
The incident occurred during a skirmish between counterprotesters and an anti-Islam protest led by far-right activist Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Noun
So far, most of the state-level legal skirmishes centered on Kalshi’s event contracts have involved cease-and-desist letters, seeking preliminary injunctions, and civil enforcement.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
The war began after several rounds of airstrikes and cross-border skirmishes, stemming from Pakistani claims that the Afghan government was harboring terrorists who used the country as a base to launch attacks against Pakistan.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
The curbs were initially enacted in 2020 after a border skirmish escalated tensions between the world’s two most populous nations.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026
The incident occurred during a skirmish between counterprotesters and an anti-Islam protest led by far-right activist Jake Lang outside Gracie Mansion.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skirmish
Noun
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Bossche says the encounter with the rattler hasn't scared her off the trails for good.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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All four astronauts have been studying the moon extensively in their mission preparation, of course, but the precise launch date and time determined the specific features each would target during their all-too-fleeting close encounter, making this review time a necessity.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The deepening crisis has also sparked protests and clashes across the island.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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From there, the play builds into a seismic clash between the two, each arguing for their place, with Curator caught in the middle.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Massive crowds were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, dancing wildly, brawling and turning the shoreline into a scene of disorder right before multiple gunshots sent thousands sprinting in panic.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
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Drivers brawled with attendants when the gas ran out, or when the lines weren’t moving fast enough, and cops closed down the stations, which made no one happy.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Astros awarded it to prospect Brice Matthews, who compiled a strong spring and, after primarily playing second base last season, expanded his defensive versatility to include center field and left field in camp.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
25 Mar. 2026
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Hawks prospects Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert are expected to debut on the team’s upcoming road trip, which starts at the New York Islanders on March 24.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Three months into faith leaders’ legal battle, they were allowed back inside the facility in February for Ash Wednesday after a court order granted limited access.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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In the midst of a restitution battle, records show that Kilpatrick is at risk of losing a home in Novi over more than $50,000 in unpaid property taxes.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His administration has meanwhile begun probing federal programs for fraud — work that could lay the groundwork for deeper cuts.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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That evidence may soon be on the way, as a growing fleet of robotic missions are set to explore regions of the moon beyond the Apollo landing sites with instruments designed to probe its interior in greater detail.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The confrontation, which led to multiple 911 calls reporting a fight involving a firearm, resulted in the arrest of Ahmad Zeeshan.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The United States Powered Paragliding Association and Experimental Aircraft Association have written letters supporting the ultralight pilots in their fight against the county airport, as cited in the documents under review for the FAA’s upcoming decision.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Hunters exploring in a remote section of the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest stumbled onto a body in the dark, according to investigators in western North Carolina.—
Mark Price
April 5,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2026
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For those looking to get out and explore the region, the Reykjanes Peninsula has a lot to offer.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skirmish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skirmish. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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