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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Recent Examples of confrontation
At first, many ordinary Iranians assumed the conflict would be a short confrontation between two governments that was unlikely to affect them.
—
Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025
No officers were injured in the confrontation, authorities said.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
There’s also a lot of tension here that’s unfortunately lacking from the rest of the episode, since any confrontation between Charlie and the Iguana will have to wait till next week.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Video of the meeting showed the confrontation began during a confusing moment in the session.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for confrontation
Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025
No officers were injured in the confrontation, authorities said.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025
There’s also a lot of tension here that’s unfortunately lacking from the rest of the episode, since any confrontation between Charlie and the Iguana will have to wait till next week.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 July 2025
Video of the meeting showed the confrontation began during a confusing moment in the session.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for confrontation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confrontation
Noun
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There’s been a lot of change in college football in recent years, but rivalries still form the foundation of the sport for so many fans.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
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Adding an element of controversy to what’s been an unusually friendly title rivalry, Piastri even suggested that if McLaren thought the call was unfair, the team could ask him and Norris to swap places to cancel the effect of the penalty.—
James Ellingworth,
Denver Post,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Dorsey notably supported Kendrick Lamar during the high-profile rap battle between Kendrick and Drake last year, prompting fans to speculate that his apparent stance may have been influenced by Rooks’ connection to the Canadian rapper.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
7 July 2025
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The battle will continue as Trump has blasted the mainstream media for years and signed an executive order to cut federal funding for National Public Radio and PBS, said U.S. Rep. John B. Larson of East Hartford.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Rivera fired his Taser at Feliz, then got into the car on the passenger’s side and threatened to shoot Rivera as a physical struggle ensued, according to body camera footage, as another officer attempted to yank Feliz out of the vehicle.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
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Garcia then acknowledged the 15-time major winner's current health struggles.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Junk and Baltimore starter Trevor Rogers engaged in a pitchers’ duel into the seventh inning.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 July 2025
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What looked like a classic pitchers’ duel before the game took some twists and turns on Friday, with one ace looking rock-solid, but losing, and another ace struggling early, but winning.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Their manager, Sarina Wiegman, has an extraordinary record in this competition, having won it with both the Netherlands and England.—
Darren Richman,
New York Times,
5 July 2025
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In Squid Game, Lee portrays Gyeong-seok (Player 246), a devoted father who joins the brutal competition to protect his family at all costs.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
4 July 2025
Noun
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There have been conflicts between rideshare drivers and taxis in the past, so consider sticking with a reputable taxi or car service, However, the more adventurous can rent a car to explore nearby cenotes, ruins, and regional highlights.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
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The deportations – part of a program Iran announced in March – have radically increased in pace since the 12-day conflict with Israel, fueled by unsubstantiated claims that Afghans had spied for Israel prior to and during the attacks.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
Noun
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When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
9 July 2025
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In World War II, amphibious aircraft were used for reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, and anti-submarine warfare.—
Daniel Cote,
Robb Report,
9 July 2025
Noun
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With the Rockies all but mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, the gears may begin to turn on a Márquez deal well before the trade deadline.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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King Charles’ relationship with both of his sons has been a topic of contention as people speculate about the British Royal family.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Confrontation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confrontation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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