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
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
The lawsuit claims that Metcalf had a history of being involved in altercations and alleges that Ford Field should have known about Metcalf's history and failed to protect Kennedy.
—Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Clark warned him against becoming involved in any physical altercations.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 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
Agents themselves are pulling out their phones during altercations with protesters.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
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
The lawsuit claims that Metcalf had a history of being involved in altercations and alleges that Ford Field should have known about Metcalf's history and failed to protect Kennedy.
—Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
Clark warned him against becoming involved in any physical altercations.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 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
Agents themselves are pulling out their phones during altercations with protesters.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 25 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
-
There were also disputes over women, Howell said.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The surrender of Bo Nagar, a leader of the Burma National Revolutionary Army or BNRA, in the upper-central region of Sagaing was a dramatic reminder of fractures within the armed resistance movement, which has led to sporadic clashes over control of territory and administrative disputes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And in that spirit, three strong disagreements with these arguments.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Kramer and Fauci—their honorable disagreements, their curiosity about each other’s worldview, their good-faith debate—were the real show, all along.—
Talya Zax,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Organizers are expecting some 1,500 Olympians, a bit over half those who competed in the Games, to parade into the monument built in the first century for gladiator fights and exotic animal hunts.—
Colleen Barry,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Workers in stores next to the 7-Eleven said arguments and fights were common at and around the convenience store — particularly among a few local homeless men who brawl over who gets to open the door for customers.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
From assault allegations to gambling debts to submitting a fake COVID-19 vaccine card leading to a 21-game suspension, Kane has been the center of many controversies.—
Lia Assimakopoulos,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The Winter Olympics will be remembered for historic triumphs, devastating losses and viral controversies.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And Escobar recalled how the Royals had a series of brawls with opponents in the 2015 season.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Madison Square Garden has issued a statement warning that anyone fighting at the arena could face a lifetime ban after multiple brawls broke out during an event on Friday.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Long wait for court’s decision In April 2024, as Firkus appealed his conviction, the Minnesota Supreme Court’s justices heard oral arguments from Firkus’ attorney and a prosecutor from the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Rennekamp declined to adopt those arguments.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Active listening also helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that your actions align with your words and commitments, reinforcing your reputation for honesty and ethical behavior.—
Nancy Pulciano,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Clarity paired with kindness heals misunderstandings faster than silence.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Altercations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altercations. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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