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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of donnybrook
Once, according to a story pitcher George Brunet told Sports Illustrated, a manager’s argument with an umpire turned into an all-out donnybrook involving players and fans and photographers and reporters, too.
—
Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
But money has settled previous donnybrooks over new technologies.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024
The donnybrook between Disney and Ron DeSantis keeps escalating, and what should be a dispute over corporate welfare has devolved into an unfortunate political brawl that both could lose.
—The Editorial Board, wsj.com, 27 Apr. 2023
There were, however, the makings of a donnybrook.
—Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for donnybrook
Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
But money has settled previous donnybrooks over new technologies.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024
The donnybrook between Disney and Ron DeSantis keeps escalating, and what should be a dispute over corporate welfare has devolved into an unfortunate political brawl that both could lose.
—The Editorial Board, wsj.com, 27 Apr. 2023
There were, however, the makings of a donnybrook.
—Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for donnybrook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for donnybrook
Noun
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Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Behind them, the brawl for the final two play-off places — to join one of the three aforementioned teams and Sunderland — continued to be played out between Middlesbrough, Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Panthers center Sam Bennett, who had a contentious altercation with Marchand in Round 2 of the playoffs last year, said Marchand’s first message after being added to the team group chat was a chirp.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
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The footage shows an altercation between Perez and a man that officials say lasted for about 15 minutes before officers arrived on the scene.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This square can spark clashes between the need for stability (Taurus) and the desire for bold self-expression (Leo).—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
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With nearly 8 million Venezuelans displaced—the second-largest migration globally and the largest ever within South America—the film captures rising tensions, cultural clashes, and radicalization in Chile’s border communities.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Book dispute is one of three religious rights cases The case is one of three religious rights cases the Supreme Court is deciding in the coming weeks, and appears likely to be part of a recent trend of the court siding with religious rights advocates.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Congressional Republicans have so far shown little interest in negotiating the dispute between the president and the judiciary.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The quarrel escalated into a fight, and Hernandez was stabbed multiple times in the abdomen, cops said.—
Elizabeth Keogh,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2025
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As the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks squabble over Cyprus in the background, the men before us quarrel over everything—a woman, a job, a handkerchief.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Now, with the controversy behind him, Benn has the opportunity to finally face Eubank in the ring.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Despite the controversy, for the Hilton, that doesn't change the imperative to serve.—
Major Garrett,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Leaders who create space for disagreement without judgment build greater trust, psychological safety and strategic cohesion.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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In a landmark 1935 case, Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, the Supreme Court ruled that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt couldn’t fire a member of the Federal Trade Commission due to policy disagreements.—
Quartz Staff,
Quartz,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Create a powerful statement that positions me against this enemy and explains why this fight matters to my audience.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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The health care fight — over a discount drug program — will play out in the House’s Health and Human Services Committee on Monday.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Donnybrook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/donnybrook. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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