as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
he came home with a black eye from the dustup at the bar
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dustup
Again, while the details of the Newport Beach dustup are unique, complaints about harassment — in lawsuits and in day-to-day municipal work life — are increasingly common.
—
Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025
Read all about the dustup here.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 12 Sep. 2025
The private club has, of course, already inspired a bit of a dustup in the West Village.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2025
The dustup follows Macron’s rejection this past week of accusations from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that France’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state is fueling antisemitism.
—Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dustup
Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025
Read all about the dustup here.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 12 Sep. 2025
The private club has, of course, already inspired a bit of a dustup in the West Village.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2025
The dustup follows Macron’s rejection this past week of accusations from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that France’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state is fueling antisemitism.
—Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dustup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dustup
Noun
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Archaeologist Tony Pollard said that initial analysis indicates their finds were some of the last shots fired during the skirmish.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
30 Oct. 2025
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Pro Bowl defensive linemen Derrick Brown was forced to physically remove Robinson from the skirmish as teammates on both sides tried to intervene.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sunday’s clash will mark the 10th meeting in six years between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.—
Andy Scholes,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
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After the clash, Geralt is knighted for his bravery, fulfilling his oldest fantasy—but at a cost.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As soon as a battle or a war has been fought, victors and losers alike begin to tell different stories.—
Elizabeth D. Samet,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
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Linked by the fire, a cashier, fire-fighter, district attorney and student battle to prevent tragedy, the blaze’s consequences still roiling two decades later.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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When police arrived, however, there was no sign of any fight or crime scene.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
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In his eight wins, all eight have come inside the distance, with only two fights seeing a second round.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dustup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dustup. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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