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
On the court For those interested in playing, two days of scrimmages followed Tuesday’s measurements and drills.
—
John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Despite some rough showings in a few scrimmages, Craig performed well overall as he gets acclimated to a new team, scheme and a much tougher level of college football.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
The Bulldogs have four practices remaining this spring, and two of them will be scrimmages.
—Connor Riley, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Tatum then ramped up his activity, which included practicing with Boston’s G League team and running through full-speed scrimmages with Celtics teammates before making his season debut on March 6.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
But after being expected to take the next step – participating in full-contact scrimmages and practices – the team scaled back Curry’s work.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Redick has called the 21-year-old guard one of the team’s better players in the stay-ready games – practice scrimmages for low-usage players on the team.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Jacobo has received fervent support from administrators, including Highlands principal Adrian Hid, who has sat through rainy scrimmages to back the team.
—Christina Huang, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026
Some of that was a byproduct of two scrimmages at the draft combine last May in Chicago, where a 30% career 3-point shooter went 5 of 11 behind the longer NBA arc.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
John Hollinger, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Despite some rough showings in a few scrimmages, Craig performed well overall as he gets acclimated to a new team, scheme and a much tougher level of college football.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
The Bulldogs have four practices remaining this spring, and two of them will be scrimmages.
—Connor Riley, AJC.com, 10 Apr. 2026
Tatum then ramped up his activity, which included practicing with Boston’s G League team and running through full-speed scrimmages with Celtics teammates before making his season debut on March 6.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
But after being expected to take the next step – participating in full-contact scrimmages and practices – the team scaled back Curry’s work.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Redick has called the 21-year-old guard one of the team’s better players in the stay-ready games – practice scrimmages for low-usage players on the team.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Jacobo has received fervent support from administrators, including Highlands principal Adrian Hid, who has sat through rainy scrimmages to back the team.
—Christina Huang, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026
Some of that was a byproduct of two scrimmages at the draft combine last May in Chicago, where a 30% career 3-point shooter went 5 of 11 behind the longer NBA arc.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scrimmages
Noun
-
Tempers flared between the teams, leading to a couple of skirmishes.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
Here are some photos from the second of three skirmishes in this always entertaining Show Me State clash.—
Jeff Rosen,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The protest turned violent with clashes breaking out between pro-Palestinian supporters, who were protesting an event hosted by the synagogue to promote land for sale in Israel, and pro-Israel counterprotesters.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
Widespread protests followed, along with some clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement and the deployment of the National Guard.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
The ultimate goal, organizers said, is to win more elections, sway policy fights and protect diverse political representation at all levels.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
-
The biggest issue with these Netflix stunt-fights, aside from the age and condition of the fighters, is that the main event takes forever to start.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
But if both of those battles end up as washes, the Knicks could pull away in this series because their work on the glass earns them extra shots.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
Trustees increasingly want leaders capable of navigating not only fundraising and research growth, but also the political battles reshaping higher education.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scrimmages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scrimmages. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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