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
Louis Casiano , Brooke Curto, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
The cleaner grabbed the suspect, sparking a brawl, with both men falling to the platform before the suspect got up and fled.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025
Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The threats have teeth, since House Republicans are brawling over spending levels and haven’t ironed out their differences, while Senate Republicans will need bipartisan support to avoid a filibuster in the upper chamber.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Noun
The brawl happened over line cutting at Crazy Animal City at Disneyland Park in Shanghai, China, local outlets reported.
—Louis Casiano , Brooke Curto, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
The cleaner grabbed the suspect, sparking a brawl, with both men falling to the platform before the suspect got up and fled.
—Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025
Verb
Punk taped his fist and immediately brawled with Rollins.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The threats have teeth, since House Republicans are brawling over spending levels and haven’t ironed out their differences, while Senate Republicans will need bipartisan support to avoid a filibuster in the upper chamber.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brawl
Noun
-
This clash has had tangible repercussions: Tesla’s stock experienced a significant drop, erasing over $150 billion in market value, while Trump Media saw a decline of approximately $500 million.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Boys lacrosse In a wild Div. 4 round of 16 clash, host Littleton received a goal from Zach Milner with five seconds remaining to list the Tigers to a thrilling 13-12 victory over host Lynnfield.—
Brian Roach,
Boston Herald,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The jail altercation has since escalated into a wider conflict between the Sheriff’s Office and the Broward State Attorney’s Office.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
-
This wasn’t the first altercation to take place at one of Beyoncé’s recent shows.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
The crowd, which had already grown hostile to Ernst's tone, erupted in roars of disapproval.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
31 May 2025
-
There’s something magical about a waterfall — the roar of rushing water fueled by snowmelt, the cooling mist, and lush vegetation thriving around it.—
Jennifer Broome,
Denver Post,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
There’s a genuine brother-and-sister warmth between the Andy and Piper characters in Bring Her Back — and plenty of sibling bickering too.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
30 May 2025
-
Yet a design challenge is a smart choice to assign this particular group of queens because that means locking them in the workroom to bicker between assembling garments.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Noun
-
Combine this with the melee weapon and shield rune upgrades, and players have several strategies to survive the demon horde onslaught.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
21 May 2025
-
Having wandered into the middle of their melee in his pajamas, this timid, slightly nebbishy dude is a mystery to all of them.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Phan was convicted of shooting up a high school graduation party after a dispute, killing an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old.—
Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2025
-
Officials from the United States and China met in London to talk about a range of different disputes that are separating them.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
Speaking their language with specific quantitative proof points can help B2B marketers rise above the noise and appeal directly to purchase decisions.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
Another order instructs the FAA to establish a standard for noise certification and lift a ban on overland supersonic flight.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
Verb
-
Holland has been one of the more active UFC competitors since losing that contest by decision, fighting at middleweight and welterweight.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
House Republicans, who are fighting to keep their three-seat majority, have outspent Democrats.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brawl. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share