as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
several chairs were knocked over in the scuffle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to shuffle
to move heavily or clumsily
she scuffled along in shoes that were much too large for her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wrestle
to seize and attempt to unbalance one another for the purpose of achieving physical mastery
the burglar and the homeowner briefly scuffled together in the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scuffle
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024
So, yes, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be scuffling at the moment.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Ohio State Buckeyes players scuffle with Michigan Wolverines players on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024
Protesters gathered and blocked roads in several other spots across the country, and Israeli TV stations showed images of police scuffling with protesters.
—Josef Federman, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scuffle 
Verb
In footage caught by an unnamed apparel store, the former friends could be seen having an intense discussion before scuffling inside the establishment.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024
So, yes, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be scuffling at the moment.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Ohio State Buckeyes players scuffle with Michigan Wolverines players on Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024
Protesters gathered and blocked roads in several other spots across the country, and Israeli TV stations showed images of police scuffling with protesters.
—Josef Federman, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scuffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuffle
Noun
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Navigating the map from an overworld view, akin to looking at a tabletop game from above, leads to quicker, bite-sized skirmishes, optional short objectives, and requests from characters that build up your bonds.—
Diego Argüello,
Rolling Stone,
13 Jan. 2025
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There’s usually not even time for trash talk between opponents; that has to wait for the inevitable post-whistle skirmish.—
Mark Lazerus,
The Athletic,
9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Rihanna was shuffled out through a restricted exit by deputies, and Rocky left separately through the main courthouse doors.—
Andrew Dalton,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2025
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Some 1,600 years ago, perhaps soldiers on the easternmost edge of the empire shuffled the slim bone tokens across a board, attempting to outwit their opponents.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Broadly speaking, several countries are wrestling with the damage wrought by the drug trade, fragile public institutions, human trafficking and organized crime.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
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This one’s all over the place tonally, on purpose: Ferrell wrestles a fake alligator over here, while over there, Witherspoon bravely engages with her siblings and their intimidating mother to hammer out an honest reconciliation after too long.—
Michael Phillips,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2025
Noun
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At stake in the clash with rival Buffalo Bills is a trip to the Super Bowl and a bid for a historic Super Bowl three-peat for the Chiefs.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2025
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Meanwhile, the Bruins are flying high after a 2-0 shutout win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and with a strong defensive showing and reliable goaltending, Boston will look to carry that momentum into Saturday's clash.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Both players refused to release the ball in an epic battle for possession, the players stumbling toward the TCU student section.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
23 Jan. 2025
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Matthias Schmidt, founder of Schmidt Automotive Research, said BYD’s plans for Germany have stumbled as EV sales slumped after government incentives were removed.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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After initially joining the Sky on a training camp contract, Carter fought her way into the starting lineup last season.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2025
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Despite the order from Biden, 82, both Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and now-President Trump, 78, fought to have the flags raised for the inauguration, which fell within the 30-day mourning period.—
Lizzie Hyman,
People.com,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Her non-exhaustive account of the battle for equal rights in America includes more than one hundred laws, court rulings, murders, assassinations, books, films, protests, and riots.—
Mara Hoberman,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2025
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The case is one of around 20 legal challenges to Trump’s use of executive authority since his return to office and could set the stage for broader court battles over his policy agenda.—
Kaelan Deese,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Now, a group of penguins in Australia are stomping all over their love-bird reputation through cheating scandals and divorce — and wildlife experts are worried.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2025
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The Ravens stomped the visiting Bills, 35-10, in Week 4.—
Jeff Howe,
The Athletic,
16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near scuffle
Cite this Entry
“Scuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scuffle. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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