1
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
a dozen people were arrested after the donnybrook at the stadium
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in altercation
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the kind of hot-button issue that inevitably creates a donnybrook in the halls of the statehouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 donnybrook
Saturday’s donnybrook at the Horseshoe may not have scared up the massive numbers that last year’s Ohio State-Michigan showdown delivered, but Fox’s broadcast of the 120th installment of The Game still ranks as the college football season’s second-biggest TV draw.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Once, according to a story pitcher George Brunet told Sports Illustrated, a manager’s argument with an umpire turned into an all-out donnybrook involving players and fans and photographers and reporters, too.
—Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
But money has settled previous donnybrooks over new technologies.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024
The donnybrook between Disney and Ron DeSantis keeps escalating, and what should be a dispute over corporate welfare has devolved into an unfortunate political brawl that both could lose.
—The Editorial Board, wsj.com, 27 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for donnybrook
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Once, according to a story pitcher George Brunet told Sports Illustrated, a manager’s argument with an umpire turned into an all-out donnybrook involving players and fans and photographers and reporters, too.
—Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
But money has settled previous donnybrooks over new technologies.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024
The donnybrook between Disney and Ron DeSantis keeps escalating, and what should be a dispute over corporate welfare has devolved into an unfortunate political brawl that both could lose.
—The Editorial Board, wsj.com, 27 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for donnybrook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donnybrook
Noun
-
The feud between the two SmackDown stars has been building for weeks and recently culminated in a backstage brawl on the most recent episode of the show.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the epic No Limit-Cash Money brawl, which will be broadcast live from Las Vegas at ComplexCon.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Branch is likely going to get a fine for his role in the altercation with a possible suspension coming too.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The altercation between Branch and Smith-Schuster started a brawl, with multiple players on each team getting into the fight.—
Jordan Sigler,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
City sued after mayor blames Christians for violent clash with left-wing agitators.—
,
FOXNews.com,
9 Oct. 2025
-
The clash among the neighborhoods mirrored his internal strife over his biracial identity.—
Jazmine Hughes,
Robb Report,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Payment of the penalty isn’t required until after the dispute resolution process is complete, a state spokesperson said.—
Anjeanette Damon,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Other refinements could include a dispute resolution mechanism and a joint task force to assess project viability.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
While still unconfirmed, we’re told that the film sees Louise, the alcoholic mother of Mike (Hechinger) and Tommy, take off after a quarrel with her husband Lester — walking with her dog to the home of her brother Frank, quite a few miles away.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Hip-Hop has equally thrived on legendary quarrels and strong relationships.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Her participation had already sparked controversy due to her past ballroom experience.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The bill became a source of controversy in the Golden State, with celebrity chefs among those who rallied against the cookware ban, while environmental and health activists have argued for it.—
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Emmer acknowledged the disagreements but didn’t dwell on them.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Oct. 2025
-
There remain many disagreements in detail but hardly any in essence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The doctor finds her and tries to inject her, but Ben comes up from behind, and the two fight.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
-
Joe Biden 'optimistic' in cancer fight Former President Joe Biden is now receiving radiation therapy for his prostate cancer, a spokesperson for the former president confirmed to ABC News.—
Molly Nagle,
ABC News,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Donnybrook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donnybrook. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share