1
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
the police broke up the fracas in the bar and threw both combatants in the lockup
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
police preparing for any fracas that might follow the soccer game
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fracas
At the heart of this political fracas is two competing visions for Taiwan and the island’s relationship with China.
—
Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Still, the fracas surrounding rookie Shemar Stewart’s contract covers new ground.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
The fracas broke out when a group of youngsters tried to rob an older, more established group that was selling marijuana on the block, according to a police source with knowledge of the case.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Thanks to months wading through the political fracas in Washington, the billionaire and his cars have never been more polarizing.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Still, the fracas surrounding rookie Shemar Stewart’s contract covers new ground.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
The fracas broke out when a group of youngsters tried to rob an older, more established group that was selling marijuana on the block, according to a police source with knowledge of the case.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
Thanks to months wading through the political fracas in Washington, the billionaire and his cars have never been more polarizing.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fracas
Noun
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Still one of the NFL’s nastiest division rivalries, the game was full of skirmishes and a near-costly unnecessary roughness penalty late in the third against the Eagles that put the Cowboys in position to take the lead.—
Dan Gelston,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Ideological skirmishes over the motives and obligations of Carpenter’s music include both sincere interrogation of its feminism and smirking counteractive reprisals to that scrutiny.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Setting aside the brewing shutdown brawl, allowing the subsidies to go by the way side could also be politically untenable for certain vulnerable Republicans and tee up voter backlash in next year’s midterms.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
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Inter Miami players Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles, and Seattle Sounders staff member Steven Lenhart, received multiple game suspensions from the 2026 Leagues Cup as punishment for their behavior during a post-game brawl following Sunday’s Leagues Cup final.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The cutbacks are the result of a clash over two budgets—the SEPTA budget and the Pennsylvania budget.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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An opening clash in Luxembourg is followed up by a bout against the four-time world champions in Cologne, as Michael O’Neill’s young team dreams of emulating the side that made it to the 1986 tournament in Mexico.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Buffalo Bills ejected the fan who got into an altercation with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during Sunday night’s game at Highmark Stadium.—
Jenna West,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The altercation happened with about eight minutes remaining in the third quarter of the game.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When a person is gravely ill, they’re often forced to fight two battles, one against their sickness and the other against the insurance company.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
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Looking back at Charlotte’s recent FCS opponents, dating back to 2021, the 49ers haven’t won the turnover battle in any of the four matchups, resulting in uncomfortably close games and even a lopsided loss to William & Mary in 2022.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Sinner eventually came through in a display of fight and quality in adversity, and now has a day’s rest to manage the problem.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Classes were offered on serving in-fight refreshments and putting on make-up.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The match was played on August 31, and a scuffle broke out between both teams after the final whistle.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
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But the scuffle escalated when clips posted on social media showed Suárez arguing with a Sounders staff member before appearing to spit in his face.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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But all anyone will remember is Vladimir Guerrero's injury, which Toronto hopes isn't serious, and a weird dustup with one of the game's more controversial figures.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fracas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fracas. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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