infighting

noun

in·​fight·​ing ˈin-ˌfī-tiŋ 

1

: prolonged and often bitter dissension or rivalry among members of a group or organization

bureaucratic infighting

2

: rough-and-tumble fighting

3

: fighting or boxing at close quarters

infight

ˈin-ˌfīt 

intransitive verb

infighter

ˈin-ˌfī-tər 

noun

Synonyms of infighting

• discord
• strife
• friction
• conflict
• discordance
• war
• schism
• warfare
• discordancy
• dissent
• division

Examples of infighting in a Sentence

continued infighting has just completely robbed that political action committee of its effectiveness

Recent Examples on the Web

The legislative infighting made Florida’s regular 60-day session drag on to more than 100 days. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 10 Dec. 2025

While Democrats bask in the glory of recent elections, House Republicans haven’t done themselves any favors with party infighting. —Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 7 Dec. 2025

The November vote came after Missouri lawmakers had tried, and failed, to pass similar legislation amid bitter infighting among Senate Republicans over whether gas station slot machines, which exist in a murky legal area, should also be regulated. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Dec. 2025

Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is pushing for the creation of a civility committee for a Council known for its infighting and polarity, at a time when families are preparing to navigate their own difficult political discussions this holiday season. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for infighting

• alighting
• backbiting
• bullfighting
• daylighting
• delighting
• exciting
• firefighting
• handwriting
• highlighting
• igniting
• inciting
• indicting