1
as in clash
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
they were thrown out of the party after starting a brawl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in altercation
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the student drama society's decision to put on the controversial play prompted a brawl at the school board meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in roar
loud, confused, and usually inharmonious sound
we could hear the brawl of the river rapids ahead of us before we could actually see them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily
the Wilsons were always loudly brawling, and the neighbors were always shutting their windows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of brawl
Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
In a separate clip shared online, another brawl can be seen erupting in a hallway near some exit doors.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025
Michigan upset Ohio State 13-10, and the two teams brawled after the game when Michigan players tried planting their flag on the Buckeyes' field.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Noun
Frustration boiled over and a mass brawl broke out, culminating in Todibo’s dismissal after VAR officials advised referee Anthony Taylor to check the TV monitor.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
In a separate clip shared online, another brawl can be seen erupting in a hallway near some exit doors.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
The cabinets inhaled quarters as four players teamed up to brawl their way to save Maggie Simpson or battle Shredder across New York.
—Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025
Michigan upset Ohio State 13-10, and the two teams brawled after the game when Michigan players tried planting their flag on the Buckeyes' field.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brawl
Noun
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The head of Yemen's ruling leadership council has named a new cabinet, weeks after deadly clashes in the country's south and the dissolution of a separatist group.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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The march then diverted left onto Via Benaco, moving away from the Village with clashes beginning when the protest reached Piazzale Corvetto.—
Antonia Mortensen,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On Tuesday, Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky said city police were working with Hays CISD to collect witness statements and video evidence from students who were present during the altercation.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Feb. 2026
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But there is a time and a place, and becoming embroiled in a physical altercation with a nightclub bouncer the night before leading your country in an international is neither the right time nor the right place.—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Dent raced up the court, kicked to Perry, who dribbled into a 3-pointer, and turned to the crowd, celebrating with a flex and a roar.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
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The heavyweight was facing Kingsley Ibeh on Saturday night when Ibeh landed a flurry of shots in the second round that caused a roar from the crowd, despite not looking particularly hard.—
Isabel Yip,
NBC news,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Ho Jin's mom and self proclaimed dad bicker over his grandfather's books.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Much of the comedy in this action-comedy arrives via barbed exchanges between the constantly bickering James and Jonny.—
Richard Kuipers,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Game director Cary Trzcinski made sure emotions did not boil over and lead to a melee, sticking his thick body and fierce game face into one brewing moment in the second half.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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Minneapolis police said Monday a federal agent was injured during the melee, and that a Minneapolis officer who was inside of the hotel attempted to provide aid to the agent.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Officers learned that a group known to each other got into an altercation resulting from an ongoing dispute, the police said.—
Jack Perry,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
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At least five competing proposals have emerged from major coalitions, several of which have fractured in recent days as internal disputes deepened.—
JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The iX is the epitome of comfort and luxury, as consumers add low-zero road noise, excellent seat cushioning and plenty of legroom for travel to their list of needs in a vehicle.—
Marc D Grasso,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
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Curious how to sift through the noise and discover a prized possession?—
Shagun Khare,
Martha Stewart,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Now, Mendoza tells CNN, the couple is no longer fighting to remain the United States.—
Susana Erazo,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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The Franklin Park Defenders, a community group fighting the project, pushed back at the cost that has climbed since it was first floated.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brawl. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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