dustup

noun

ˈdəst-ˌəp How to pronounce dustup (audio)
Definition of dustupnext
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

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 dustup Things settled down quickly after that, though the brief dustup ended with Contreras, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton and Washington pitcher Miles Mikolas being ejected. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 In February, fans watched a dustup between the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets. — Shakeia Taylor, New York Times, 29 May 2026 Bart Jansen The latest dustup between the United States and Iran is over the names of bodies of water. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 But even then that dustup lacks a satisfying catfight spark. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dustup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dustup
  1. skirmish
  2. clash
  3. battle
  4. fight
Noun
  • This week’s public skirmish was a repeat performance, if not a somewhat pathetic display of both men’s need to agitate for attention.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • An agent removed Pretti’s gun from his waistband and can be seen exiting the skirmish.
    — Whitney Wild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of skirmish
Noun
  • Pressure to address the conditions in the juvenile jails intensified this summer after a June 21 violent clash at Horizon in Mott Haven between the detainees and staff, in which 11 were stabbed and 15 hospitalized, according to a Council report.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • But there's a likely clash of ideals and approach coming on the left over the next several months, as the Democratic presidential primaries.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of clash
Noun
  • The leader, facing a tough re-election battle, has focused much of his campaign ahead of Tuesday’s vote on security.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • By focusing on the battles fought in luxury department stores, fashion shows, high-end spas, nail salons, and the home, the film illustrated just how limited even privileged women’s options were.
    — Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • The film follows Jiwa, a father who sacrifices everything in a fight to save Juna, his son, who has blood cancer.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The confrontation escalated into a fight that left both tourists injured.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of fight

Browse Nearby Words

dusts
dustup
dustups
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Cite this Entry

“Dustup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dustup. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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