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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of brawl
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Officials didn’t provide information about what might have sparked the brawl.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Brian Mazique, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Pena, who was brawling with the homeless man, illegally entered the U.S. in 2019 under the Trump administration but was deported two days later.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Noun
Entertainment & Arts ‘Ugly Betty’ alum Eric Mabius arrested on suspicion of battery in Florida bar brawl
Feb. 20, 2025
Video published by TMZ on Thursday showed Osment, wearing his ski helmet backward, allegedly holding up the line for a ski lift.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Officials didn’t provide information about what might have sparked the brawl.
—Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
He is embroiled in a feud with Damian Priest, which could mean the two men will brawl at some point in the show.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Pena, who was brawling with the homeless man, illegally entered the U.S. in 2019 under the Trump administration but was deported two days later.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brawl
Noun
-
This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Panthers center Sam Bennett, who had a contentious altercation with Marchand in Round 2 of the playoffs last year, said Marchand’s first message after being added to the team group chat was a chirp.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The footage shows an altercation between Perez and a man that officials say lasted for about 15 minutes before officers arrived on the scene.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
When Golden took the stage, there was a roar of cheers and fireworks exploded over the city.—
Sam Farmer,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
While the roar of the engines and smell of burning rubber are very familiar to fans of stock car racing, there’s a distinct allure about NHRA events.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Trump, who appointed Powell during his first term, has long bickered with the Fed chair over interest rates.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Laurie stormed off and had a bummer of a night, hanging out with Valentin and his grifter Russian buddies at a Muay Thai fight — and ultimately fleeing half-dressed from one of their angry girlfriends — while Jaclyn and Kate stayed behind and bickered some more.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Somehow, both Greig and Stolarz received minor penalties, which made the whole melee worth it for the Leafs.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Another example is unlocking the ability to parry after fighting enough creatures using melee weapons.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Book dispute is one of three religious rights cases The case is one of three religious rights cases the Supreme Court is deciding in the coming weeks, and appears likely to be part of a recent trend of the court siding with religious rights advocates.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Billing disputes, debt collections and other leading indicators of bankruptcy are also on the rise.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Such evidence could support the view that incessant loud noise amounts to torture or cruel treatment towards cetaceans, in turn galvanizing support for a new right to be free from such harm.—
David Gruber,
Time,
24 Apr. 2025
-
One appeal of the group’s messaging is its peculiarly British sensibility; the statements tend to cut through the noise.—
Anna Russell,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In the final season of the Emmy-winning drama series, June will fight to take down Gilead with Luke and Moira joining the resistance, per Hulu.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
No medication cures measles, only time and the hope that a child’s body can fight it.—
Dan Sweeney,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brawl. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share