1
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
a dozen people were arrested after the donnybrook at the stadium
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in altercation
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the kind of hot-button issue that inevitably creates a donnybrook in the halls of the statehouse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of donnybrook
Of course, that’s exactly what Governor Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu and the developer want; A knockdown, drag out, talk radio donnybrook over a shelter being shoehorned into a tiny former nursing home nestled among a family neighborhood in the Holy Name parish.
—
Lou Murray, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
In short, this super-sized donnybrook does not seem likely to quiet down anytime soon.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Completing the quartet is Justin Withers’ Demetrius, who unleashes his comic chops during a hilarious donnybrook.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Saturday’s donnybrook at the Horseshoe may not have scared up the massive numbers that last year’s Ohio State-Michigan showdown delivered, but Fox’s broadcast of the 120th installment of The Game still ranks as the college football season’s second-biggest TV draw.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for donnybrook
Lou Murray, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
In short, this super-sized donnybrook does not seem likely to quiet down anytime soon.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Completing the quartet is Justin Withers’ Demetrius, who unleashes his comic chops during a hilarious donnybrook.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Saturday’s donnybrook at the Horseshoe may not have scared up the massive numbers that last year’s Ohio State-Michigan showdown delivered, but Fox’s broadcast of the 120th installment of The Game still ranks as the college football season’s second-biggest TV draw.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for donnybrook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donnybrook
Noun
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May 26 Juniper O’Reilly and Mo Elmthorn are best friends, roommates, and farmers who share an idyllic cottage life filled with livestock, tavern visits, and the occasional brawl.—
Angelina Mazza,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
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According to the sheriff's office, six people have been arrested in connection with the brawl.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
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Witnesses told the Nantucket Current that the stabbing followed a verbal and physical altercation between the driver of a Myles Reis garbage truck and the driver of a Sayles Seafood delivery truck that had parked in the area.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
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Cartwright said statements from those involved explained that the victim and her mother were involved in a physical altercation.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 June 2026
Noun
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The dispute has opened a new front in a years-long fight over transparency at the shelter, which has faced multiple investigations into overcrowding, animal deaths and a sharp decline in transfers to rescue groups.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
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As bitcoin becomes more involved in private contracts, treasury strategies, cross border settlement and business arrangements, disputes will not always arrive in court as dramatic stories about hacks or scams.—
Susie Violet Ward,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The victim got into a quarrel inside Bob’s Classic Barber Shop on Albany Ave.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
10 June 2026
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Rounding out the top five names were seven write-in votes for the Sacramento Capitals or Capitols — which could be nicknamed the Caps to avoid quarrels over the spelling — and six votes for the Sacramento Stingers or Sting, referencing the collegiate Sacramento State Hornets.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Like all things data center, this one comes with controversy.—
David Wade,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
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From a national pie shop victory to a fatal military crash and a baseball controversy reaching the White House, Wednesday delivered a wide range of stories for Sacramento readers.—
Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
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At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about sexuality, morality and identity.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
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This is a strategic disagreement.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Chicago police said that an argument between the victim and another male turned into a fight when the male pulled out a gun and shot the victim.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
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In the room next door, Aaresh plays video games with his friend, like any other 12-year-old boy, taking a break from his homework and studying for a French exam, and oblivious to how his parents’ fight could change his life and those of others like him.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
Noun
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Chicago police said that an argument between the victim and another male turned into a fight when the male pulled out a gun and shot the victim.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
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The stars aligned, and we — the fans — were transported right into the middle of an argument over balls and strikes between the home plate umpire and A's manager Mark Kotsay.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Donnybrook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donnybrook. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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