CLASHES Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

clashes 1 of 2

noun

plural of clash

as in skirmishes

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups a clash between rival gangs that resulted in some serious injuries

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truces

as in rattles

the loud sound made when metal strikes metal the clash of cymbals

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clashes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of clash

as in conflicts

to be out of harmony or agreement usually noticeably the colors of your shirt and pants clash a parent's idea of proper dress often clashes with a teenager's

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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 clashes

Noun

As the moon clashes with Mercury, beware of presenting your biases as fact. — Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 The company's clashes with unions date back years, with battles over employment status, arbitration proceedings, working conditions, and more rendering it a marquee villain in the eyes of labor advocates. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 Another Macomb County Democrat, Susan Hier, a grandmother of five, worries Democrats will struggle to marry competing demands as her party clashes over what kind of candidate or platform can best meet this political moment. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 As hundreds of exhausted migrants head back to Morocco and others vow to stay, residents describe a city upended by clashes, military deployments and a deeply unsettled border. — Sergio Rodrigo Ruíz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Florida’s August primary election is here, offering voters the opportunity to cast ballots in contests that will set up November clashes for governor, Congress and the state Legislature, and decide local races and referenda in counties and cities. — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Oil prices have shot up with each round of clashes, and Americans who were already frustrated about the cost of food, housing and other items now pay significantly more for gasoline. — Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Fortune, 31 July 2026 On that note, when Venus in Virgo clashes with Mars in Gemini, desire and judgment can start working against each other. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault in the post-game clashes after Spain’s 1-0 win on July 19, defender Nahuel Molina faces two charges and coach Roberto Ayala one. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

Verb

Avoid jumping to conclusions as the moon clashes with Mercury. — Usa Today, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Elsewhere, Rhaenyra clashes with Lord Corlys, refusing to legitimize his sons Addam and Alyn with her hold on power so tenuous. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 The resulting design gives the consumer-favorite 9060 a sleeker appearance, which clashes with its otherwise bulky proportions. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Nader is set to play Selene, a captain of the Zuma Beach Lifeguards, who often clashes with Amell's character, Hobie Buchannon, her fellow co-captain. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 Just be mindful when Venus clashes with Pluto retrograde on June 17 — attraction can turn into obsession if power dynamics (or boundaries) are off. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026 Azure Blue Azure blue also clashes with the warm, 3000K, soft white bulb that most of us prefer for a relaxing soak. — Natasha Bazika, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026 Matty is a blustering, blue-collar Bostonian who sees himself as the unequivocal boss of the house and frequently clashes with his liberal niece Blaire, an outspoken college student who often finds herself at odds with her more traditional-minded relatives. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clashes

Noun

Frantic skirmishes between the family and the beast take place as the house floods, and eventually the invading creature is tangled up in a trap.

— William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
What followed were decades of a seemingly endless cycle of skirmishes, all-out wars, and (sometimes failed) peace accords.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of skirmishes

Noun

Drummer Jay Russell kept to stark rattles, Sam Shipstone patched in his scratchy electric guitar, and Ryan Needham needled through grumbling basslines.

— Victoria Borlando, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Jigs with rattles are most productive and a big, active trailer is the way to go in muddy water.

— David A. Brown, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026

Definition of rattles

Verb

The business of asset management often conflicts with the business of investing—an interesting paradox.

— Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
This directly conflicts with at least one existing state law, California's SB53, raising complex questions about which specific state provisions, like whistleblower protections, would survive.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Definition of conflicts

Noun

Shields appears to be positioning herself for more competitive fights against women in smaller weight classes.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Healthcare could emerge as one of the defining policy fights in Georgia's race for governor, according to a new statewide poll that found concerns over cost, access and quality cut across political lines.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of fights

Noun

Bryan DiGirolamo, special agent in charge of ATF New York, told CNN the more guns are traced, the more crimes between the US and Canada can be linked, ultimately exposing trafficking rings.

— Mark Morales, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
While formal entertaining is less common today, finding napkin rings, butter pats, and sterling silver tableware is a true treasure.

— Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of rings

Noun

Louder Than Fear, directed by Justin Krook and Michael Dwyer, documents the star’s journey to fame and his personal battles, including the aftermath of his 2008 private plane crash.

— Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
The eviction process was protracted and followed a series of complex legal battles led by residents of the encampment, who organized as a collective to advocate for their rights.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of battles

Noun

The soundtrack—by the frequent Hans Zimmer collaborator David Fleming—is a delight, a polyphonic mood board of ghost-clangs, spooky bassoons, lyrical electro-motifs, and sighing sea themes.

— James Parker, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
The album’s official versions smooth out some of the buzzy sibilance of the bootlegs, but Hold Onto Me Infinity accommodates lots of tasteful clangs and wubs.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026