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

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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

Related Words
2
as in to prospect

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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 skirmish
Noun
This leads to even more behind-the-scenes skirmishes laced with character-centric comedy, as opposing factions align. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Ties between the two countries, which had deteriorated sharply following a deadly border skirmish in 2020, have been thawing for more than a year. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 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
  • The nearby Giraffe Centre offers intimate encounters with these gentle giants.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Giuseppe Cascini, the chief prosecutor in the case, said that the police involved in the encounters had been sanctioned for their failure to intervene.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • Pressure to address the conditions in the juvenile jails intensified this summer after a June 21 violent clash at Horizon in Mott Haven between the detainees and staff, in which 11 were stabbed and 15 hospitalized, according to a Council report.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • But there's a likely clash of ideals and approach coming on the left over the next several months, as the Democratic presidential primaries.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of clash
Verb
  • Jordan, the brawling former wrestler who helmed the Judiciary Committee, has long been preferred by the hard right, including some from the Freedom Caucus.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • On the night of January 14, after some drinking, two young men started brawling and the incident turned bloody—an average Tuesday evening in this part of the city at this time.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of brawl
Verb
  • His departure leaves Sanoja and prospect Max Acosta as third basemen on the 40-man roster.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Kansas City Royals prospect Carson Roccaforte arrived at Kauffman Stadium wearing a sleek white shirt and monochromatic suit ensemble.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • The leader, facing a tough re-election battle, has focused much of his campaign ahead of Tuesday’s vote on security.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • By focusing on the battles fought in luxury department stores, fashion shows, high-end spas, nail salons, and the home, the film illustrated just how limited even privileged women’s options were.
    — Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • Underwater robots to probe China’s maritime past Some of the most valuable archaeological discoveries are not buried underground but beneath the sea.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Only in recent years, with the launch of new space telescopes, have astronomers been able to probe the space between stars in enough detail to pull these layers apart.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • The film follows Jiwa, a father who sacrifices everything in a fight to save Juna, his son, who has blood cancer.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The confrontation escalated into a fight that left both tourists injured.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • Garcia, who secured a release from his LIV contract in October, has outlined plans to return to the DP World Tour and explore a possible return to the PGA Tour.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
  • To play Stallone, Ippolito explored the hardships that shaped — and fueled — the older actor, including a difficult childhood, limited parental support and a profound sense of isolation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of explore

Phrases Containing skirmish

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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 Nov. 2026.

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