confrontation

noun

con·fron·ta·tion | \ ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shən

Definition of confrontation

: the act of confronting : the state of being confronted: such as

a : a face-to-face meeting a confrontation between the suspect and the victim

b : the clashing of forces or ideas : conflict a violent confrontation between rival gangs

c : comparison The flashbacks bring into meaningful confrontation present and past, near and far.— R. J. Clements

Other Words from confrontation Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about confrontation

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Other Words from confrontation

confrontational \ ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shnəl

, -shə-nᵊl \ adjective

confrontationalist \ ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nə-list

\ noun

confrontationist \ ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nist

\ noun or adjective

Examples of confrontation in a Sentence

There were several violent confrontations between rival gangs. He would prefer not to have a confrontation with the authorities. a series of confrontations between residents and police We want cooperation, not confrontation. We seek to avoid military confrontation at all costs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Investigators said the brawl at the park may have stemmed from an earlier confrontation at a nearby taco shop. — Pauline Repard, San Diego Union-Tribune, "2 arrested in April deadly fight at park in Lincoln Park," 7 June 2019 The prolonged period of uncertainty has intensified political divisions over Brexit and led to some verbal confrontations in London. — Lorne Cook, The Seattle Times, "UK Parliament moves to make ‘no-deal’ Brexit more difficult," 8 Jan. 2019 Authorities have released the 911 call and police audio from the fatal shooting of a Deptford shoplifting suspect earlier this month, illustrating how the incident escalated to a deadly confrontation. — Aubrey Nagle, Philly.com, "Protesters rally in Rittenhouse Square, Senior Week puts the 'wild' in Wildwood | Morning Newsletter," 20 June 2018 The video doesn't show what led to the confrontation. — CBS News, "Mayor says body camera footage will show what led to cops punching woman on N.J. beach," 29 May 2018 Trump has a tendency to view his presidency as a reality television show where what’s important are storylines, confrontations, and plot twists. — Ezra Klein, Vox, "Trump doesn’t want the wall. He wants a fight about the wall.," 12 Dec. 2018 Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings said Tuesday that an investigation is underway to determine why the officers did not have their cameras on during the confrontation with and shooting of 25-year-old Martavious Banks. — Fox News, "The Latest: Police did not have cameras on in fatal shooting," 18 Sep. 2018 As much as this planet is linked to confrontation and, yes, aggression, leaning into that influence during its backspin may come back and bite you later. — refinery29.com, "Mars Retrograde Could Hit The Brakes On Your Summer Plans," 25 June 2018 The time has passed when the enemy sets the rules of confrontation and alone changes the conflict’s equations. — Noga Tarnopolsky, latimes.com, "Palestinian groups, acting alone, announce cease-fire with Israel after latest Gaza violence," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'confrontation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.