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

In the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait — where clashes have intensified in recent weeks — data shows at least 45 vessels crossed, including eight tankers and eight cargo ships going to the Gulf of Aden. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 The 2026 schedule will be challenging as well with two September clashes with conference contender SMU and a trip to Tuscaloosa to face revenge-minded Alabama. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 More than 175 people were injured during two days of clashes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026 Regular clashes in race dates between the two series have been a problem for drivers hoping to pair their racing programs. — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 As with previous clashes over Syria, Washington ultimately sided with Damascus, criticizing Israel through Barrack. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026 After months of sharp clashes, the winners of Tuesday’s primaries are now pivoting for another round of battles against new challengers in the November election. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 Ultimately, the immediate need for affordable, abundant solar capacity clashes with the goal of a self-sufficient supply chain, making price the primary driver for now. — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 In 2013, clashes between his supporters and opponents killed 18 Lebanese soldiers. — ABC News, 12 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

There were certainly more skirmishes between the Eagles offense and Patriots defense.

— Zach Berman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Players from the Cowboys and the Saints threw punches during several skirmishes throughout the joint practice, which was conducted in uncommonly hot, humid weather in the coastal town.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of skirmishes

Noun

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
Owner complaints around the current-generation Tundra have included interior rattles and occasional trim or electronic issues.

— Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 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

The Cabarrus controversy comes as transgender rights have become a major national political talking point, with fights over girls’ sports, bathroom access and school policies playing out in courts and school board meetings.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Gun safety does not begin and end with high-profile fights in Washington or state legislatures.

— Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of fights

Noun

When Cantu reaches towards Lopez and screams his wife’s name, a shot rings out and Lopez falls slightly off camera.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
The push and pull between their desire to do good rings true — as does their choice to prioritize their own careers and personal relationships over a much broader international crisis.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of rings

Verb

Construction accidents are common in India, where rapid infrastructure growth often collides with fragile geology, construction lapses, extreme weather and safety standards.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Dreaming explores what happens when 21st-century gender fluidity collides with the more rigid identity categories enforced by the state in a time of war.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of collides

Noun

Tanger centers are places where family and friends can gather, our green spaces play host to everything from yoga classes to food truck rallies to high school battles of the bands.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Once in Korea, O’Hara worked with the Korean stunt team to refine the choreography even further, making battles out of the small-scale struggle of opening a door, of how characters could make it to the glass break outside.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 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