CONFRONTATION Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

confrontation

noun

ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shən

Definition of confrontation

as in rivalry

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the softball rivals met in an epic confrontation on the last weekend of the summer

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of confrontation His administration is also involved in a long-simmering confrontation involving ABC over renewal of its broadcast licenses. — Jocelyn Noveck, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026 Prosecutors said Anthony provoked the confrontation that ended with Metcalf being fatally stabbed in the chest. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026 Related Stories The centerpiece confrontation behind The Betrayers comes between Baruch Kotler, the politician played by Michael Aronov, who betrays his wife and daughter when his affair with his mistress, Leora, played by Kaelen Ohm, is exposed. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026 Something that once almost automatically invited confrontation with authorities has become far more widespread. — Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confrontation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confrontation

Noun

These sensual glimmers are no match for the antagonistic sociality of straight male relationships, which, in this novel, quickly convert sympathy or desire into rivalry and aggression.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
This season and the last marked the first time in the 112-game series that the rivalry game took place in Oxford in back-to-back years.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

Through paintings, prints, and installations, Endaya’s work examines the social struggles in her native Philippines, from gender and labor inequality to migration and globalization, to name a few.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
But his mom is sharing the family’s struggle as a warning to others.

— Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of struggle

Noun

Bear 620 was raised with her cousin, Bear #690 (Bean), who won the Fat Bear Week Junior competition in 2022.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2026
Washington should use commercial investment and competition to expand viable launch sites and avoid dependence on any one provider or location.

— Mark Montgomery, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

The fans in Auburn, Alabama, came out, leaning from ramps and peeking from tents to catch a glimpse of their new administrations, each in their first SEC duel of the year.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
Mahomes and Travis Kelce this season are set to appear in at least 10 national windows, including the inevitable duel with Allen and the Bills on Thanksgiving night.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of duel

Noun

Before the conflict, Qatar exported almost one-fifth of the world’s LNG, all of it through the Strait of Hormuz.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Moldova reports another drone incursion During the aerial barrages, drones have repeatedly strayed into neighboring countries, unnerving leaders who are wary of Russia and fear being dragged into conflict.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of conflict

Noun

The countries trying to broker an end to the Iran conflict — Oman, Pakistan, and Qatar — are themselves facing military attacks and economic strain from the war, an unusual dynamic that factors into the incentives and urgency behind their mediation.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
But Washington's negotiations with Tehran over their own war fell apart weeks ago.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of war

Browse Nearby Words

confront

confrontation

confrontational

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“Confrontation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confrontation. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of confrontation

noun

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