as in quarrels
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
judging from all the slamming and banging, I'd say there was some sort of altercation going on next door
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Recent Examples of altercations
But in a rare but potentially growing number of instances, local law enforcement officers say, frustrations on the Valley’s increasingly congested roads are escalating into threats, altercations and sometimes deadly violence.
—
Rose Evans
updated March 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
Lakewood police said officers returned to the area later after receiving reports of altercations, injuries, and a growing crowd of onlookers.
—Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Videos of the altercations have surfaced showing LaBeouf striking multiple people.
—Jack Brook, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026
Dave Howell, who called Pata one of his best friends, testified Thursday there were several altercations involving Jones and Pata.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
The letter said unauthorized use of recording devices, physical altercations, bullying and harassment are outlined in board policies, as well as disciplinary measures.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Young girls and women are increasingly resorting to physical altercations at school and in the workplace.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
While many talk shows began as fitfully amusing discussions around relevant issues, some soon devolved into sordid and exploitative freak shows that encouraged verbal and physical altercations.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Although government officials have claimed that Good and Pretti were both aggressors in their altercations, footage captured by bystanders appeared to contradict those claims.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Rose Evans
updated March 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026
Lakewood police said officers returned to the area later after receiving reports of altercations, injuries, and a growing crowd of onlookers.
—Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Videos of the altercations have surfaced showing LaBeouf striking multiple people.
—Jack Brook, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026
Dave Howell, who called Pata one of his best friends, testified Thursday there were several altercations involving Jones and Pata.
—Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
The letter said unauthorized use of recording devices, physical altercations, bullying and harassment are outlined in board policies, as well as disciplinary measures.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Young girls and women are increasingly resorting to physical altercations at school and in the workplace.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
While many talk shows began as fitfully amusing discussions around relevant issues, some soon devolved into sordid and exploitative freak shows that encouraged verbal and physical altercations.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Although government officials have claimed that Good and Pretti were both aggressors in their altercations, footage captured by bystanders appeared to contradict those claims.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altercations
Noun
-
Avoid money quarrels with everyone.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
-
His quarrels with Massie and interest in relitigating the 2020 election seem to animate him more, too.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brown University School of Health policy researcher Jason Buxbaum said most similar disputes end within weeks; others within three months.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The initiative, the mayor said at press conference to announce the creation of the force, is designed to help residents navigate disputes and connect with state regulators, providing guidance and support in situations where board mismanagement leaves residents at a disadvantage.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Kai is trustworthy, dependable, and generous with his time, helping classmates with editing and lighting while mediating creative disagreements with tact.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Despite the ongoing disagreements, both sides say continuing conversations is important.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In Alameda, hundreds of youths gathered at the South Shore Center parking lot, where police reported fights and two people were hospitalized.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
15 Mar. 2026
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More than three-quarters of street space — most of our public space — is given over to driving and parking cars, local fights over new bike lanes notwithstanding.—
Jon Orcutt,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Throughout the campaign, Conyears-Ervin deflected from her controversies by framing herself as a scrappy politician who is the right candidate to defend the district’s most vulnerable residents.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
-
White Stadium controversies Residents and activists have raised concerns about the loss of critical green space in the park.—
Riley Rourke,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The change had come following years of youth disturbances, including major brawls and nearby shootings.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
There are five consecutive brawls in the final two minutes, including one involving both goalies.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Armed with those arguments and others, Staples and Beaulac traveled to Washington recently to make their case against the SOB Act with lawmakers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
In Monday’s closing arguments, Ye’s attorney, Andrew Cherlaskey, refuted reportage that his client had fallen asleep during his testimony.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is a day for speaking plainly and clearing up lingering misunderstandings.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
-
This involves a trip behind the Iron Curtain, where cultural misunderstandings can quickly turn deadly serious.—
Entertainment Weekly,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altercations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercations. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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