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as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
throughout the week of the convention, police engaged in skirmishes with some of the demonstrators
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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as in to prospect
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of skirmish
Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
And the Pakistani military has been engaged in cross-border skirmishes with the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan for months.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
With billions of dollars at stake, the conflicts manifest in sharp skirmishes in the Legislature, in courts and in the ballot measure arena.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
In a dangerous escalation from cross-border skirmishes, Pakistan launched air strikes at the end of February, targeting major cities including Kabul.
—Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Noun
The most recent of many legal skirmishes to come to the public’s attention involves Paris Jackson, Michael Jackson’s daughter.
—Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026
And the Pakistani military has been engaged in cross-border skirmishes with the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan for months.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
With billions of dollars at stake, the conflicts manifest in sharp skirmishes in the Legislature, in courts and in the ballot measure arena.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
In a dangerous escalation from cross-border skirmishes, Pakistan launched air strikes at the end of February, targeting major cities including Kabul.
—Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skirmish
Noun
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Bossche says the encounter with the rattler hasn't scared her off the trails for good.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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All four astronauts have been studying the moon extensively in their mission preparation, of course, but the precise launch date and time determined the specific features each would target during their all-too-fleeting close encounter, making this review time a necessity.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The deepening crisis has also sparked protests and clashes across the island.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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From there, the play builds into a seismic clash between the two, each arguing for their place, with Curator caught in the middle.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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On April 3, after UCLA defeated University of Texas in the Final Four, Close apologized to the fans in an ESPN interview about how the two teams brawled over each point.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
5 Apr. 2026
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Massive crowds were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, dancing wildly, brawling and turning the shoreline into a scene of disorder right before multiple gunshots sent thousands sprinting in panic.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Astros awarded it to prospect Brice Matthews, who compiled a strong spring and, after primarily playing second base last season, expanded his defensive versatility to include center field and left field in camp.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
25 Mar. 2026
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Hawks prospects Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert are expected to debut on the team’s upcoming road trip, which starts at the New York Islanders on March 24.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Three months into faith leaders’ legal battle, they were allowed back inside the facility in February for Ash Wednesday after a court order granted limited access.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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In the midst of a restitution battle, records show that Kilpatrick is at risk of losing a home in Novi over more than $50,000 in unpaid property taxes.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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His administration has meanwhile begun probing federal programs for fraud — work that could lay the groundwork for deeper cuts.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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That evidence may soon be on the way, as a growing fleet of robotic missions are set to explore regions of the moon beyond the Apollo landing sites with instruments designed to probe its interior in greater detail.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The confrontation, which led to multiple 911 calls reporting a fight involving a firearm, resulted in the arrest of Ahmad Zeeshan.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The United States Powered Paragliding Association and Experimental Aircraft Association have written letters supporting the ultralight pilots in their fight against the county airport, as cited in the documents under review for the FAA’s upcoming decision.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Hunters exploring in a remote section of the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest stumbled onto a body in the dark, according to investigators in western North Carolina.—
Mark Price
April 5,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2026
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For those looking to get out and explore the region, the Reykjanes Peninsula has a lot to offer.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Skirmish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skirmish. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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