clashed; clashing; clashes
1
: to make a clash
cymbals clashed
2
: to come into conflict
where ignorant armies clash by night—
Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnold
also
: to be incompatible
the colors clashed
: to cause to clash
clasher
noun
1
: a noisy usually metallic sound of collision
2
a
: a hostile encounter : skirmish
b
: a sharp conflict
a clash of opinions
Examples of clash in a Sentence
Verb
Police and protesters clashed yesterday.
The sofa and the chair clash.
She ended the song by clashing the cymbals.
Noun
Hundreds were killed in ethnic clashes in the region last month.
a clash between rival gangs that resulted in some serious injuries
Recent Examples on the Web
Andy Naylor, New York Times, 18 June 2025
In past decades, this stage was easy to spot: clashing colors, poor makeup attempts, and wardrobes inspired by favorite TV stars.
—Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
India, the fanatical cricket country, against England, the founding fathers of the game, will be a clash of styles.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clash
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show current usage.
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Verb
Their run includes Wolves, Leeds United and a final day clash with Manchester United.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 18 June 2025
In past decades, this stage was easy to spot: clashing colors, poor makeup attempts, and wardrobes inspired by favorite TV stars.
—Dia Gallo, Parents, 17 June 2025
Noun
The clash between the two drivers was likely carried forward from the previous race in Detroit, where McLaughlin crashed into Siegel from behind, causing him to get knocked out of the race.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
India, the fanatical cricket country, against England, the founding fathers of the game, will be a clash of styles.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clash
Cite this Entry
“Clash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clash. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clash
1 of 2 verb1
: to make a clash
clashing cymbals
2
a
: to come into conflict
pickets clashed with the police
b
: to not match well
our ideas clashed
some colors clash
clasher
noun
clash
2 of 2 noun1
: a loud sharp sound usually of metal striking metal
the clash of swords
2
: a sharp fight or strong disagreement
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