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

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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
Carrington seemed to be extra excited about playing the Fever again after getting into a skirmish with Sophie Cunningham in their previous game. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The subject of the Israel-Gaza conflict has once again been to the fore this weekend in Hollywood following a verbal skirmish between actor Mark Ruffalo and Paramount leadership. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 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
  • At this point occurs the climax of the tale, Ichabod’s encounter with the headless horseman, whom the reader assumes is Brom Bones playing a mischievous trick on him.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • New video released this week shows a tense encounter in Colorado in which a sheriff's deputy was forced to shoot and kill a charging mother black bear.
    — Andrew Gutierrez, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • Parkinson usually plays things a bit straighter with the media, but his presence in the away dugout did provide the 20,056-capacity crowd — and an audience watching on TV on both sides of the Atlantic — with a fascinating clash of styles.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Disappointment over a relationship rift flares as the moon and Saturn clash.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of clash
Verb
  • The teams brawled on the outside for minutes, but the chants started up again.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of brawl
Verb
  • Can any of them stake a claim to a rotation spot and save the team some money and/or prospects this offseason?
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Included in the roster of G League and international talent are former Heat players Orlando Robinson and Cole Swider, as well as former Heat camp prospects DeJon Jareau and James Nunnally.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of prospect
Noun
  • Don’t shrink to avoid disagreement, but don’t make everything a battle for control either.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Mustafa, who was born in Iraqi Kurdistan and fled to Norway as a child, said the film was inspired by his encounter with a female Peshmerga sniper during the 2014 frontline battles, as female Kurdish fighters countered Islamic State attacks.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • Research-Grade Interviewing Beyond collecting responses, ascertain whether the system uses research-grade interviewing to probe for deeper meaning.
    — Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Moon opposes probing Pluto, bringing attention to unfinished tasks, mental clutter, or a habit that no longer helps.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • By the end of the fight, an enthralling contest which Taylor won by a somewhat wide 27 points to 3, the crowd was on their feet.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Thank you Jena, and thank you to all the Screencaps readers who have joined the fight.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • Most travelers get out and explore the destinations, and there are often free transfers in ports and complimentary tours to keep them busy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Elsewhere, dining ranges from casual beachside fare and an award-winning bar serving signature cocktails to the Agave Study, where guests can explore the spirit’s provenance, production, and distinct character.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skirmish

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skirmish

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