1
as in battles
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict
a proud people who have fiercely fought all invaders of their homeland
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in opposes
to strive to reduce or eliminate
a civil rights leader who dedicated his life to fighting prejudice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in resists
to refuse to give in to
I tried to fight the temptation to eat another cookie—and lost
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in skirmishes
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a troubled youth who got into one fight after another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fights
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
An Army official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said soldiers who were fans of UFC fights and who meet Army standards were given a preference, which the official said is standard practice for such events.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 May 2026
What Is Black Lives Matter traces the history of the international movement, from its founding in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s 2012 death to its role in current day fights against police brutality.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Most fights consist of dealing with waves of basic grunts with the occasional bruiser or shooter thrown in to keep you on edge.
—Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026
Democrats want a party that fights, a party that can rebuild and regain the trust of the American people, that can focus on the issues that the American people care about.
—ABC News, 24 May 2026
Kara, wearing a vintage Blondie T-shirt and brown trench coat, fights them off while making sarcastic quips, almost Han Solo-like.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 20 May 2026
Continue reading … COURTROOM CLASH — Tyler Robinson's defense team fights to seal evidence in Charlie Kirk's assassination.
—FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Jamie fights him off pretty easily and Ferguson is taken prisoner.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Those offenses could include public intoxication, disorderly conduct, fights and noise disturbances.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight).
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
The Crete Police Department has petitioned the Will County state’s attorney’s office for charges against 20 juveniles involved in a series of fights at Crete-Monee High School on May 12, Chief Scott Pieritz said in a news release Thursday.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The same poll also offered an early look at several likely November ballot fights.
—John Woolfolk, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The investigation into the fights is ongoing, and additional charges are expected to follow, according to officials.
—Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Last year's event was marred by several high-profile incidents, including a party boat shooting in Little River and multiple fights that sent several people to the hospital, according to ABC affiliate station WCIV in Charleston, South Carolina.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 24 May 2026
Usually when an actor in a major role skedaddles a series in mid-stream — because of firings, feuds, contract fights, health crises or creative flameouts — the show finds a way to go on.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026
Verb
The welcome is relaxed and warm while the flamboyant decor fights to charm you.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
An Army official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said soldiers who were fans of UFC fights and who meet Army standards were given a preference, which the official said is standard practice for such events.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 29 May 2026
What Is Black Lives Matter traces the history of the international movement, from its founding in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s 2012 death to its role in current day fights against police brutality.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Most fights consist of dealing with waves of basic grunts with the occasional bruiser or shooter thrown in to keep you on edge.
—Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026
Democrats want a party that fights, a party that can rebuild and regain the trust of the American people, that can focus on the issues that the American people care about.
—ABC News, 24 May 2026
Kara, wearing a vintage Blondie T-shirt and brown trench coat, fights them off while making sarcastic quips, almost Han Solo-like.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 20 May 2026
Continue reading … COURTROOM CLASH — Tyler Robinson's defense team fights to seal evidence in Charlie Kirk's assassination.
—FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Jamie fights him off pretty easily and Ferguson is taken prisoner.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
To those who knew him, Lemieux could be surprisingly vulnerable, Shanahan said, noting the friendship Lemieux forged with Red Wings enforcer Darren McCarty despite multiple fights in their careers.
—Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Those offenses could include public intoxication, disorderly conduct, fights and noise disturbances.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight).
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
The Crete Police Department has petitioned the Will County state’s attorney’s office for charges against 20 juveniles involved in a series of fights at Crete-Monee High School on May 12, Chief Scott Pieritz said in a news release Thursday.
—Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
The same poll also offered an early look at several likely November ballot fights.
—John Woolfolk, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
The investigation into the fights is ongoing, and additional charges are expected to follow, according to officials.
—Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Last year's event was marred by several high-profile incidents, including a party boat shooting in Little River and multiple fights that sent several people to the hospital, according to ABC affiliate station WCIV in Charleston, South Carolina.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 24 May 2026
Usually when an actor in a major role skedaddles a series in mid-stream — because of firings, feuds, contract fights, health crises or creative flameouts — the show finds a way to go on.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fights
Verb
-
She is left to care for her partner’s elderly mom who battles Parkinson’s and dementia.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
28 May 2026
-
An introverted young boxer with incredible ability and skill who battles to overcome low confidence, high anxiety and stage fright in pursuit of her potential.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
But Spielberg also opposes using AI to replace writers, directors, or producers essential to core artistic decision-making.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
31 May 2026
-
By midday, the Moon opposes unpredictable Uranus in curious Gemini, so big-picture hopes can contrast with fast facts, shifting plans, or surprise updates.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The women’s squad competes in the amateur Women’s Premier Soccer League.—
PJ Green
May 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
-
Rest competes with duties as the moody Moon moves through your 12th House of Solitude, opposite inventive Uranus in your 6th House of Work and Well-being.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The pope, played by Samora la Perdida, is a mincing oaf who bickers with Galas about the value of translating Wagner.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The spacious interior accommodates towels, snacks and more, while the exterior resists dirt and scuffs.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
2 June 2026
-
His victim, in her unassailable purity, resists him, thereby proving that the arrivistes populating the ranks of England’s most upwardly mobile class had a moral edge over the nobility.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Inconspicuous blows against Denver escalated to skirmishes.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
Thankfully, none of these skirmishes affects the guests’ satisfaction with the trip.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
After multiple struggles, the music icon says in the teaser for his new interview with Good Morning America's Chris Connelly that his health has improved.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 May 2026
-
The father of three also spoke about the struggles many parents face while advocating for their children with autism.—
Kelsie Gibson,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Durso alleged that Valle was upset after the previous altercations and lost his cool when his friend’s vehicle was damaged by the crowd of youths who rocked and shook the vehicle Valle and his friends arrived in.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
-
Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fights. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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