1
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
1
2
as in to prospect
Related Words
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
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
Inconspicuous blows against Denver escalated to skirmishes.
—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Meanwhile, the religious right profited handsomely from the skirmish.
—
Isaac Butler,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
Johnson calls it the Iran skirmish.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Noun
The comps were particularly rough that season, as the NYC-OKC skirmish was no match for what would prove to be Michael Jordan’s final championship in Chicago.
—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
Inconspicuous blows against Denver escalated to skirmishes.
—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
Meanwhile, the religious right profited handsomely from the skirmish.
—
Isaac Butler,
New Yorker,
30 May 2026
Johnson calls it the Iran skirmish.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for skirmish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skirmish
Noun
-
But, for now, and with this book, Vance seems to be keeping the door open to a rapprochement with Leo—say, a personal encounter at the Vatican that would provide a vivid photo op.
-
And as any great author would do, the Edgar Award-winning writer channeled the encounter for her book.
Noun
-
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen lamented a new World Cup rule that has left his team mathematically eliminated before their final Group L game, with today's clash against England offering only a chance to claw back some pride.
-
If the favorites move on, Spain and Portugal would provide one of the more entertaining clashes in the entire tournament.
Verb
-
Another worker described the chaos as well over a dozen teens brawled inside the diner.
-
The conflict that ensues is startling in the intensity of its violence, as bodies brawl and break in the mud, flaming torches are taken to the face, and red-hot blades are seared into flesh.
Verb
-
The Canucks lack a true, projectable NHL pivot prospect to build around long-term.
-
Hot Cubs prospect Pedro Ramírez made his first career start on Sunday, playing second base and batting ninth.
Noun
-
Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
-
While the first half of the match was full of battles and speed runs from one goal to another, the players seem to be taking a more methodical pace after returning from the locker room.
Verb
-
Kim, already sentenced to four years in a separate bribery and stock-manipulation case, faces prosecution alongside ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol as South Korea probes his martial law rule and political allies.
-
After local authorities probed the situation and spoke to the twins, an officer explained what the allegation was during Buttigieg's formal interview.
Noun
-
Panama is already eliminated from advancing to the knockout round, but is continuing to show some fight here.
-
Chicago police said the two women, aged 27 and 36, got into a fight in an apparent road rage incident.
Verb
-
The line itself formed a giant coil of attendees waiting to explore the convention.
-
Visitors can browse books, research future projects, learn outdoor skills like pitching a tent or explore the library's one-mile loop trail.
Cite this Entry
“Skirmish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skirmish. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
