FIGHTS Synonyms: 242 Similar and Opposite Words

fights 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of fight

as in battles

to oppose (someone) in physical conflict a proud people who have fiercely fought all invaders of their homeland

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as in opposes

to strive to reduce or eliminate a civil rights leader who dedicated his life to fighting prejudice

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as in competes

to engage in a contest everyone on that street seems to be fighting to see who can create the gaudiest holiday lighting display

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as in bickers

to express different opinions about something often angrily if you kids continue to fight, I'm turning this car around and we're heading back home!

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as in resists

to refuse to give in to I tried to fight the temptation to eat another cookie—and lost

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fights

2 of 2

noun

plural of fight

as in skirmishes

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups a troubled youth who got into one fight after another

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truces

as in struggles

a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective the mayoral candidate pledged to lead a successful fight to improve the city's schools

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as in altercations

an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions the couple have their share of fights, but they quickly get over them

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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 fights

Verb

Rodriguez has long touted himself as being someone who fights big corporations. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Two fights Washington has been building toward this year came to a head Monday. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 Bessent’s maneuver could handcuff the Federal Reserve, which fights inflation by raising interest rates. — Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026 The team comes up with scenarios in which Emi fights a mech or battles yakuza in the clouds, and the fights defy expectations. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 At least fights themselves are fine, choreographing maximum damage in narrow spaces. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Meta has swooned as the company fights litigation alleging that the firm seeded addictive behavior in children. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 With only three ingredients—water, sodium chloride, and hypochlorous acid—the on-the-go spritzer soothes skin and fights bacteria. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 Current legal avenues are also riddled with loopholes, as Big Tech fights them in court, claiming that some laws infringe on free speech. — Allyson Kapin, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Cabarrus controversy comes as transgender rights have become a major national political talking point, with fights over girls’ sports, bathroom access and school policies playing out in courts and school board meetings. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 Gun safety does not begin and end with high-profile fights in Washington or state legislatures. — Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 And fights can lead to being suspended for multiple games or the season. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The group does not disclose its members, but has also participated in past utility fights before regulators. — Emily L. Mahoney, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 In 2023, Anthony talked about assaulting people, getting into fights and shooting up a school. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026 Romero and Lopez will close out the night, but here is a look at the prelim and main card fights with results filled in as the fights end. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Animal Services also observed superficial wounds on some of the dogs, likely caused by fights over food and other resources, Chartrand said. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 About eight fights broke out throughout the two-hour session, significantly impacting the ability of either team to get in as much quality work as expected. — Jon MacHota, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fights

Verb

The youngest of late Lakers owner Jerry Buss’ six children, the brothers have made the Padres their first major investment as the family battles over the sale of its remaining Lakers stake.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Is Joe Biden’s wayward son trying to land a lucrative podcast deal or taking one last stand to clear his name as his father battles cancer?

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of battles

Verb

Becerra, a California native born to Mexican immigrants, opposes what's known as the billionaire tax, on November's ballot.

— Christine Mai-Duc, NPR, 23 Aug. 2026
The Moon opposes Mars early, making impatience easier to trigger when comfort and action pull in different directions.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposes

Verb

Heavy federal borrowing competes with families and businesses for capital, pushing up the cost of mortgages, car loans and financing.

— Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
The event comes as China expands its robotics industry and competes to establish leadership in humanoid and autonomous machines, with more than 2,000 robots from 16 countries also taking part in the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of competes

Verb

Eve resists scream-queen clichés, but Gemma’s boringly typical tortured backstory is as flat as her wan chemistry with Nick.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Harbour resists the idea that the label was ever a cage or a hurdle to his progress as an artist.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of resists

Noun

Its outcome will be a major milestone in the decades-long political skirmishes over CEQA.

— Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026
In 1988, for instance, Khomeini finally agreed to end his war with Iraq after the United States began engaging Iranian naval ships in direct skirmishes, leading him to fear that Reagan might formally align with Saddam Hussein’s regime.

— Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of skirmishes

Noun

Birth of daughter and personal struggles Meanwhile, following a lull in her career in the late 1990s, Smith returned to the spotlight in 2000.

— Imani Sumbi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026
In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation.

— Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of struggles

Noun

Simple assault are altercations and incidents that don’t involve weapons or serious injuries, including domestic incidents.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
In court filings, ex-wife Emily Moreno alleged that Miller has repeatedly had physical and verbal altercations with her attorney, Andrew Zashin, after recent court hearings in an ongoing custody battle.

— Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 31 July 2026