as in skirmishes
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
the two players got into a scrimmage off the court and got suspended
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Recent Examples of scrimmages
There had been a couple of preseason scrimmages, and Friday’s game was not planned.
—
Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
While most college coaches treat their practices like a top secret meeting, Dykes has maintained a wide-open media policy, allowing reporters to watch full practices in the spring and fall camps, and even allowing fans and media to watch entire scrimmages.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
The Hornets showcased a fleet of backs in camp and in two full-tackle scrimmages, including the speedy and elusive Jamar Curtis.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2025
So the practice plans for the preseason, this year, mirrored a typical game-week structure, culminating in Saturday scrimmages.
—Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The count had been narrowed to just more than 100 for Monday’s doubleheader of scrimmages, which was open to the public.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2025
There are progressive installations of offensive and defensive schemes to learn and master, film sessions to pay attention (stay awake) in and one-on-one competitions, position battles and scrimmages to win.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
Ross has proven hard to miss during CSU’s scrimmages this month.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
With two-and-a-half weeks of practices and a pair of scrimmages in the books, the Hurricanes have now shifted their focus from working on themselves to preparing for Notre Dame.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
While most college coaches treat their practices like a top secret meeting, Dykes has maintained a wide-open media policy, allowing reporters to watch full practices in the spring and fall camps, and even allowing fans and media to watch entire scrimmages.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
The Hornets showcased a fleet of backs in camp and in two full-tackle scrimmages, including the speedy and elusive Jamar Curtis.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2025
So the practice plans for the preseason, this year, mirrored a typical game-week structure, culminating in Saturday scrimmages.
—Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The count had been narrowed to just more than 100 for Monday’s doubleheader of scrimmages, which was open to the public.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2025
There are progressive installations of offensive and defensive schemes to learn and master, film sessions to pay attention (stay awake) in and one-on-one competitions, position battles and scrimmages to win.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
Ross has proven hard to miss during CSU’s scrimmages this month.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
With two-and-a-half weeks of practices and a pair of scrimmages in the books, the Hurricanes have now shifted their focus from working on themselves to preparing for Notre Dame.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrimmages
Noun
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Meanwhile, Desmond Castle stands watch beyond the village park—its stone battlements and arrow slits recalling Norman skirmishes and feudal lords.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Of all the conflicts Trump has involved himself in since returning to the White House, the skirmishes over a colonial-era border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia may be the smallest.—
Matthew Tostevin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Thailand has been in political turmoil since, ever since deadly border clashes with Cambodian forces.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, his mercurial style and public controversies, from social media firestorms to clashes with regulators, have brought volatility to Tesla’s stock and reputation.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Republicans’ long-running internal fights over how to handle health insurance coverage are far from settled, and party leaders are not eager to take a firm stance.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Trump has attended several other high-profile sporting events in 2025, including Super Bowl LIX, the Daytona 500, and multiple UFC fights.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As a smart two-way player who can win board battles and create offense off the rush, Celebrini’s game translated extremely favorably to the pro ranks.—
Chris Johnston,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Launched in 2003, this sci-fi MMORPG has played host to epic spaceship battles and intergalactic heists on a scale that most other multiplayer games can only dream of.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scrimmages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrimmages. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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