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
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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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Recent Examples of fracas
Whether the fracas was Zelensky's fault or not, the fallout for Ukraine could be severe.
—
Barak Ravid, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Back during the Winning Time fracas, the pushback from the Lakers’ orbit tended to center on notions of its accuracy.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
But at the heart of the fracas was Mitchell against Bane, who is 6-5.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
For those who have been blissfully able to avoid the whole fracas, Blake Lively‘s December complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which then became the basis of a lawsuit, was the opening salvo in this uncivil war.
—Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Barak Ravid, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Back during the Winning Time fracas, the pushback from the Lakers’ orbit tended to center on notions of its accuracy.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
But at the heart of the fracas was Mitchell against Bane, who is 6-5.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
For those who have been blissfully able to avoid the whole fracas, Blake Lively‘s December complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which then became the basis of a lawsuit, was the opening salvo in this uncivil war.
—Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fracas
Noun
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The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Same for a trip to a country bar, where Chris picks up the dance moves insanely quickly and Brax starts a window-crashing brawl.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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With Sam’s help, the team learns that a military contractor has been committing war crimes (and murdering to cover it up), which launches a massive brawl aboard a ship full of very bad Russians.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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India has been a nuclear power for over 50 years, possessing an arsenal that is publicly clandestine but capable in warfare—notably against its neighboring country, Pakistan, amid their decades-long clash over Kashmir.—
Nick Mordowanec
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Back in January, Kerley was hit with a domestic violence charge in an unrelated incident from last year, after he was arrested following an altercation with police.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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This comes after an altercation with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo at the conclusion of the team's playoff series.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Noun
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The Trump administration is also embroiled in a contentious legal battle regarding deportation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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In short, Saturday's clash will bring to a head a battle between two families, two fighters caught in a war started by their fathers, and Eubank won't even have his by his side as they are still estranged.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Create a powerful statement that positions me against this enemy and explains why this fight matters to my audience.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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The health care fight — over a discount drug program — will play out in the House’s Health and Human Services Committee on Monday.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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From casting backlash and political dustups to a lingering conversation of how to portray the tale's dwarfs in 2025, here's a timeline detailing the Snow White live-action remake's controversies.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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In a world gone mad, at least one constant remains: People in positions of power are still absolutely losing their minds over petty social media dustups, reacting in ways that just make everything worse.—
Nate Anderson,
Ars Technica,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fracas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fracas. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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