SCUFFLES Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

scuffles 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scuffles next

plural of scuffle

as in skirmishes

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups several chairs were knocked over in the scuffle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truces

scuffles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of scuffle

as in shuffles

to move heavily or clumsily she scuffled along in shoes that were much too large for her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wrestles

to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery the burglar and the homeowner briefly scuffled together in the dark

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of scuffles

Noun

And that didn’t include the multiple (if mild) scuffles in between this ruckus. —

Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026 The student said scuffles broke out between protesters and members of the Basij, which has played a key role in quashing dissent over the years, as university security guards tried to separate the two. —

ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026 Verified social media video showed scuffles Sunday between pro- and anti-regime groups at Amirkabir University. —

Tim Lister, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026 Schoolyard scuffles, neighbor disputes, low-level drug use, injury-free DUIs. —

Emily Galvin Almanza, Literary Hub, 18 Feb. 2026 The football teams have had a series of scuffles in recent years, including a 2022 incident in the Michigan Stadium tunnel that resulted in criminal charges for several Spartans. —

Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026 The scuffles came amid an already intense night, with tensions fueled by a brutal press conference on Thursday for the title fight between Lopez and Stevenson, during which the boxers exchanged insults about each other’s family members. —

Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026 Cooke, 30, was at the center of several scuffles during the Jaguars’ 25-3 win over the Titans on Sunday, being knocked over twice by late hits after punting the ball and then later being blocked hard by Chestnut, 25, on a 47-yard punt return by Chimere Dike in the fourth quarter. —

Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025 There were some scuffles, but nothing that rose to the level of a fighting penalty or a major. —

CBS News, 15 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuffles

Noun

So far, most of the state-level legal skirmishes centered on Kalshi’s event contracts have involved cease-and-desist letters, seeking preliminary injunctions, and civil enforcement.

— Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
The war began after several rounds of airstrikes and cross-border skirmishes, stemming from Pakistani claims that the Afghan government was harboring terrorists who used the country as a base to launch attacks against Pakistan.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026