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
These Abu Dhabi scrimmages are one of four international exports scheduled for this preseason.
—
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
All practices and scrimmages are open to the public.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
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
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
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
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
All practices and scrimmages are open to the public.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
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
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
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
-
These issues are not unique to the WNBA, as its affiliate league, the NBA, has weathered refereeing controversies and skirmishes over player pay for years.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
-
All these years later, Corigliano’s symphony has outlasted those skirmishes and emerged sounding fresh and exciting and powerful.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As the moon clashes with Venus, you’ve been left out of the group chat’s plans.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The issue has become increasingly important following a surge in sectarian clashes in recent months that left hundreds of civilians from Syria’s Alawite and Druze communities dead, many reportedly at the hands of fighters aligned with pro-government forces.—
Eyad Kourdi,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Burnett remembers volcanic fights between Mae and Louise, who would accuse Mae of trying to turn Burnett against her.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
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Including preliminary fights, the event ran for nearly six hours.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Where many of Krishna’s battles end in death for the aggressor, this story is remarkable for its mercy—Krishna spares Kaliya after the snake’s wives and children emerge from the pond to plead on his behalf.—
Seamus Sullivan
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Sheen described being at the center of seven family interventions, countless affairs, legal battles and messy divorces.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scrimmages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrimmages. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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