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
Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2025
Carlton often adheres to authority, a tendency that has clashed in earlier seasons with his cousin’s rebellious nature.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 24 Nov. 2025
Arkansas Online, 26 Nov. 2025
When the pursuit of the truth calls character into question, a war over morality begins and a clash between #MomTok and #DadTok erupts.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clash
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Verb
During a faculty senate meeting in September 2013, Subbaswamy and Page clashed over football, with the professor saying the chancellor had breached his public pledge not to let the school’s investment in football undermine education.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2025
Carlton often adheres to authority, a tendency that has clashed in earlier seasons with his cousin’s rebellious nature.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 24 Nov. 2025
Noun
Together, the inquiries mark an escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes.
—Arkansas Online, 26 Nov. 2025
When the pursuit of the truth calls character into question, a war over morality begins and a clash between #MomTok and #DadTok erupts.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 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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