BATTLES Synonyms: 218 Similar and Opposite Words

battles 1 of 2

noun

plural of battle

as in fights

a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective passing the medical licensing exam was an uphill battle, but she succeeded

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Relevance

as in skirmishes

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups a battle between rival gangs left two people lying dead on the street

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truces

as in actions

active fighting during the course of a war soldiers who desperately wanted to forget the horrors that they had witnessed in battle

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as in rivalries

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the chess game was a real battle between two of the world's best players

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battles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of battle

as in competes

to engage in a contest the two teams, which have long been archrivals, will battle on the court for the state championship

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as in faces

to enter into contest or conflict with the two top-seeded tennis players battled each other for almost three hours

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as in combats

to oppose (someone) in physical conflict the two armies battled each other for control of the bridge

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as in opposes

to strive to reduce or eliminate we must battle hunger and poverty wherever they exist

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of battles

Noun

Situated on Route 33 in Manalapan, this state park has preserved the 18th-century landscape of one of the biggest battles of the Revolutionary War, where the Continental Army ambushed the British army along their route from Philadelphia to New York City. —

Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026 Both King Charles and the Princess of Wales have been open about their respective cancer battles, using their platforms to drive public awareness. —

Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026 Among them are the race for governor and competitive congressional battles in the Sacramento region and Central Valley. —

Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026 Some of those battles are also internal to the industry. —

Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 June 2026 Get a bunch of water guns and have battles. —

Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 9 June 2026 One of the latest battles is centered at Roberto Clemente Park, where several trees were slated for removal as part of a city project. —

Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 9 June 2026 Lift for Lauderdale For Visit Lauderdale and Broward County, the conference represented an enormous advantage in the perennial battles against other destinations for international vacationers and their dollars. —

David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026 This isn’t just a chance for players to take a step forward in position battles. —

Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026

Verb

Right Now As the country battles a deadly second wave, international donations are helping local communities access essential items. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026 Both wholesome kids get caught in the crossfire when He-Man battles Skeletor’s army of Darth Vader lookalikes in — where else? —

Jeffrey Ressner, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026 She is left to care for her partner’s elderly mom who battles Parkinson’s and dementia. —

Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2026 An introverted young boxer with incredible ability and skill who battles to overcome low confidence, high anxiety and stage fright in pursuit of her potential. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 May 2026 Besting its record from a season ago will be a win for Las Vegas, while the rest of the group battles up top. —

Sam Warren, New York Times, 15 May 2026 Unspooling in a near-future plagued by water shortage, Nora, recovering from cancer, battles fear of loneliness and death. —

John Hopewell, Variety, 14 May 2026 Despite being projected to be the first overall pick, Mendoza skipped the in-person draft in Pittsburgh to stay in Florida with his mother, who battles multiple sclerosis (MS) and is bound to a wheelchair. —

Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 The three-match tournament ends with rivalry matchups next Friday in Chicago, when USA faces Canada and Australia battles New Zealand. —

Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for battles

Noun

Seven cage fights will be held on the White House grounds in honor of the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary – a day that also happens to be the president's 80th birthday.

— Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 14 June 2026
Trump has sought to tie Sunday’s event — which features seven fights running past midnight — to larger, months-long celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

— Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026