skirmish 1 of 2

noun

ˈskər-mish How to pronounce skirmish (audio)
Definition of skirmishnext
1
as in encounter
a brief clash between enemies or rivals the candidates' first debate was only a skirmish in a very long campaign

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in clash
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups throughout the week of the convention, police engaged in skirmishes with some of the demonstrators

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

skirmish

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to brawl

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2
as in to prospect

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Dissimilar Words

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 skirmish
Noun
The moment brought back memories of their infamous skirmish in San Diego, a kerfuffle caught on camera. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2026 There was a brief skirmish in the end zone after Howell's 2-point conversion run. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
The two sides have also skirmished along the border in the past. — NPR, 12 Oct. 2025 Steve’s gun barked almost in my ear, and the sound brought that treetop skirmish to a sudden conclusion. — Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skirmish
  1. encounter
  2. clash
  3. brawl
  4. prospect
  5. battle
  6. probe
  7. fight
  8. explore
Noun
  • Chivayo was a close ally of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa and often posted pictures of encounters, including dinners, with heads of state from across Africa.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But the work’s critics also appeal to its past; actual encounter is informed by historical circumstances, which means looking back.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • After spending some time playing in a (very cool) makeshift stadium on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Northwestern Wildcats finally christened the new Ryan Field in an important Big Ten clash with Penn State.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The Buffs and the Blue Raiders are undefeated in district play and will face off in a high-stakes Week 7 clash.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of clash
Verb
  • Latino culture typecasts hombres as eternal machos always a few drinks away from brawling or bawling.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Both trips include a stop at the town jail after brawling with the locals, albeit this time John’s the one behind bars instead of Hal.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of brawl
Verb
  • The Bank of Canada warned this month that new tariffs had made the country’s growth prospects more uncertain and increased upside risks to inflation.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • That time comes out of prospecting, planning and relationship expansion.
    — Satish Avhad, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • Chinese media reported that PLA forces deployed Type 99A main battle tanks alongside drones, uncrewed ground vehicles and helicopters.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Alabama and Mississippi State battle, and Underdog is offering new users a chance to use promo code FOXNEWS to earn up to $100 in bonus bets on a $5 wager.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • Three-dimensional light fields could provide a new way to probe these subtle differences because the fields themselves can have chiral, or handed, properties.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Bella’s childhood friend Angus (Jake Simmance), a corporate jerk, condescendingly probes Johnny about his career.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • In July, the music artist and producer spent some solo time after getting into a prison fight, sources told TMZ and NBC News.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, Smithsonian leaders are turning to AI to better understand items in its collection tied to the fight that led to the country’s founding.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • Each bungalow has a deck—most with direct beach access—as well as its own golf cart and bikes for exploring the 96-acre island.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The panel will explore how clubs build global businesses through commercial growth, fan engagement and international expansion.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of explore

Phrases Containing skirmish

Browse Nearby Words

skips (out)
skirmish
skirmished
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Cite this Entry

“Skirmish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skirmish. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skirmish

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skirmish

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