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

Related Words
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
What followed were decades of a seemingly endless cycle of skirmishes, all-out wars, and (sometimes failed) peace accords. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 Denman also sparked one of the numerous skirmishes at practice with a powerful stiff-arm on one of TCU’s safeties. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 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
  • Pasadena residents are upset after a bloodied peacock was found in their neighborhood last week after what appeared to be a violent encounter with a mail carrier.
    — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, interviews and encounters with the slain officers’ family members also illustrate the cost and harm of a job that was formed in the early 19th century and remains antiquated and unchanged in our 21st-century world.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • The case highlights the clash between the public’s expectation of privacy and the government’s contention that warrantless searches of phones and other electronics help keep Americans safe.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Regular clashes in race dates between the two series have been a problem for drivers hoping to pair their racing programs.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of clash
Verb
  • Well, maybe everyone except for the fans escorted out of the right-field bleachers after brawling, another clip that went viral on social media.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Massive fights erupted at the Wisconsin State Fair during its chaotic closing hours Sunday, with viral video showing people in crowds throwing punches and brawling as police moved in to break up the mayhem.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of brawl
Verb
  • The city tries to keep its idiosyncratic businesses going while prospecting for newcomers.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Looking down the line, prospects Bo Davidson and Parks Harber, who are both playing for Triple-A Sacramento, could see some time in the Giants’ outfield down the stretch.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • Alex Wagner, who served as assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs during the Biden administration, argued recruiting has remained remarkably insulated from those political battles.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The fight preceded the Zeus main event, which was a battle between stars from the network’s Baddies series, Tehneski and Big Lex.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • Federal investigators are probing whether insurance firms owned by Walter improperly funnelled money to other companies of his.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There is depth and detail that can be navigated and known, probed and plundered for rewards — and the best way to do all of that is with a manual telescope.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • With just four games of their regular season remaining, their challenge for the promotion play-offs seemed to be slipping away without much of a fight.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • No matter, seconds later Scott's corner threw multiple towels in the ring to stop the fight.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • In Texas, lawmakers have been exploring a ban on foreign nationals using Texas surrogates – a move surrogacy experts worry could be the first step toward a statewide ban on the practice.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The exhibition will feature 10 immersive zones, each inviting visitors into the world of Schulz (known as Sparky) and Peanuts, exploring his enduring influence on culture.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skirmish

Nglish: Translation of skirmish for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skirmish

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