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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

The Southern Transitional Council dissolved itself in January after weeks of clashes with government forces across southern Yemen. — Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026 The affordability message at the first-ever Republican midterm convention clashes with what voters are experiencing at supermarkets and gas stations. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026 There’s a tinge of humor, too, in Zumthor’s stubbornness when designing someone’s home, as the conceptual clashes with the preferential. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026 Ali Mahmoud Ali, the group's Sudan analyst, said that the latest clashes risk bringing in more Nuba clans into the fight and could increase divisions across South Kordofan, where communities are facing an already dire humanitarian situation. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Assertive Mars clashes with your ruler Saturn, highlighting tension around your home, family, or the amount of emotional labor each person carries. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026 He had been expected to leave by the end of the year, but clashes with Hegseth on things like the ouster of top Army officers played a role in his decision to depart, a source familiar with the dynamic told Semafor. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Analysts say the clashes at the Base 101 at the Niamey international airport could have gone either way because of the mutineers’ determination and large numbers until the Russian troops stepped in. — Chinedu Asadu, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Robertson, who expressed concern about Fogel’s use of AI to analyze public comments, pointed out that the plan’s call to increase funding for autism research clashes with the committee’s appropriations outlined in the Autism CARES Act. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

The team-building process of the NFL sometimes clashes with the self-preservation process of human nature. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 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

Its outcome will be a major milestone in the decades-long political skirmishes over CEQA.

— Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026
In 1988, for instance, Khomeini finally agreed to end his war with Iraq after the United States began engaging Iranian naval ships in direct skirmishes, leading him to fear that Reagan might formally align with Saddam Hussein’s regime.

— Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of skirmishes

Noun

Some financial experts are seeing warning signs ahead for stocks as bond market rattles.

— Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 1 Sep. 2026
LightDesire Musical Caterpillar Tummy Time Toy From squeaking noises to baby rattles to teething toys, this music caterpillar contributes to a complete multi-sensory experience.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 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

These included bitter title fights and tangles with his former teammate Nico Rosberg, plus flashpoints with Valtteri Bottas and Russell.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
His signature project, a White House ballroom and underground bunker, continues as legal fights play out.

— Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of fights

Noun

The pasta—a hair clump of noodles in a soupy, sweetish tomato sauce—came in one of those parsimonious bowls with a small hollow in the middle and a rim as broad as Saturn’s rings.

— Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
Carolina Bucci At her namesake shop on the Lungarno, fourth-generation jeweler Carolina Bucci sells necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets that feel classic yet contemporary simultaneously.

— Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of rings

Verb

But as is often the case when a larger movement collides with sports, the athlete participation in a larger movement inspires those same players to push for change within their own walls.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Pacino plays a powerful crime lord whose empire collides with Father Joe’s crusade.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of collides

Noun

Littrell's beachfront property has become a flash point in the beach battles.

— Debbie Elliott, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
California beat several bluebloods in the transfer portal and continues to win high school recruiting battles, with an elite 2027 class on the horizon led by Westlake wideout Charles Davis and Chaparral quarterback Dane Weber.

— Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 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