CONFRONTATIONS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

confrontations

noun

plural of confrontation

as in rivalries

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the softball rivals met in an epic confrontation on the last weekend of the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 confrontations The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says its Evasion and Graffiti Lawlessness Eradication (EAGLE) Teams aren't going away despite two recent confrontations between fare inspectors and bus riders that turned physical. — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 As the meal goes on and Rob seems to become increasingly inebriated, the night descends into nonsensical confrontations between Rob and the bartender, Rob and producers, Rob and his brother, and, finally, Rob and Michaella. — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 Without the possibility of peace, encounters between rival colonies may continue to trigger violent confrontations. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 That leaves an interesting question about how cities should handle future confrontations between pedestrians and commercial robots. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 There’s also a level of anxiety about potential confrontations at the polls, but so far, local elections officials say things are calm. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Watson told The Charlotte Observer the incident was the latest in a series of confrontations that raised concerns about the role of law enforcement at school board meetings. — Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 Thomas brings the women back together to revisit some of the franchise’s most iconic fights and confrontations. — Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 If last week’s Atlanta News First debate discouraged direct confrontations, Tuesday’s Atlanta Press Club showdown gave the two rivals room to unload on each other. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confrontations

Noun

To reestablish and preserve traditional rivalries and eliminate cross-country travel demands, restore conference alignments to their original geographical moorings.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
But the Tigers have the clear advantage on paper, even as rivalries can bring out unorthodox circumstances.

— PJ Green October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of rivalries

Noun

Known for risque stand-up comedy routines and battles with drugs and alcohol, Brand rose to prominence in the early 2000s, hosting television programs and his own BBC radio show.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Use it for dry skin, dry lips, dry cuticles, scars from cabaret battles.

— Lindy Segal, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of battles

Noun

Adebayo inched closer to becoming the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder, but his early-season struggles continue.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
In the lead-up to Sunday night’s game, the Chiefs maintained their confidence in Butker, with special teams coordinator Dave Toub suggesting the kicker would work through his struggles.

— Pete Sweeney October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggles

Noun

In defence, his lack of physicality is becoming more glaring in a Premier League that is leaning more heavily than ever into duels, second balls and set pieces.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
The noodles, the cheese, the topping, the consistency—duels have been fought over less.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of duels

Noun

The announcement comes after Dream ownership criticized the handling of Finals scheduling conflicts.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
The problem surged following the wars in the 1990s and the political, economic and social crises that have persisted since the conflicts ended.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of conflicts

Noun

Victory extended Villa’s outstanding recent run to six wins from seven games in all competitions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Factor in other domestic competitions, and Belenenses has seven trophies in total, which is tied for the fifth-most in the nation.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of competitions

Noun

Those contentions — and Bartell’s claim of a second list of 17,000 potential noncitizen voters — only add to an already heated debate about the scope of the inquiry and its legitimacy.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
To the extent these independent contentions were intended to imply that NBA rules permit teams, at the request of players, to initiate off-court income opportunities for players, that implication is incorrect.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of contentions

Browse Nearby Words

confrontational

confrontations

confronted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Confrontations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confrontations. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of confrontations

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes