SCUFFLES Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

scuffles 1 of 2

noun

plural of scuffle

as in skirmishes

a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups several chairs were knocked over in the scuffle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

truces

scuffles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of scuffle

as in shuffles

to move heavily or clumsily she scuffled along in shoes that were much too large for her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wrestles

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

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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 scuffles

Noun

During one of several scuffles, a 69-year-old bystander fell to the ground near a booth selling Republican merchandise, causing scrapes along her thigh, knee and forearm. — Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The preview also introduces viewers to the fictional state of Leonida, which is based on Florida, as Jason and Lucia drive around, hit the bars and get caught in scuffles, among other adventures. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 New Orleans had no scuffles or disciplinary issues Thursday during another joint practice with the Rams at Los Angeles' training complex in Woodland Hills. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 Throughout his scuffles, however, Boone felt Grisham had gotten more aggressive inside the strike zone. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 One incident on the latest episode led to a hilarious and effective solution to training camp scuffles. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026 There's videos of scuffles, marmots walking in snow, maintaining their burrow and just sitting there in all their glorious cuteness. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said scuffles like that are part of training camp. — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Well, Foerster is also the 49ers’ offensive line czar and no scuffles broke out in one-on-one drills with defensive linemen. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuffles

Noun

Its outcome will be a major milestone in the decades-long political skirmishes over CEQA.

— Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026
In 1988, for instance, Khomeini finally agreed to end his war with Iraq after the United States began engaging Iranian naval ships in direct skirmishes, leading him to fear that Reagan might formally align with Saddam Hussein’s regime.

— Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of skirmishes

Verb

The line shuffles forward quickly, and my heart knots in my chest as Heartfillers are dosed to each person up ahead.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
In the clip, Dawkins shuffles out onto the field with no shirt, a pair of Crocs and a clear plastic bag ready to get the ol' inside-out treatment.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffles

Verb

Brave Irene wrestles the dress and rides the box downhill like a sled in order to reach the duchess, who is anxiously waiting for her gown.

— Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
Season 1 reportedly will be centered around DC bad guy Gorilla Grodd, who often wrestles The Flash.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 July 2026

Definition of wrestles

Noun

The Premier League’s 2026-27 handbook contains 29 rules about ‘Players’ Identification and Strip’, spanning topics like sponsorship, shirt numbers, captain’s armbands, and preventing kit clashes with opponents and match officials.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Police special forces responded with flash grenades during the clashes, which officials said lasted until the early hours of Sunday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of clashes

Verb

Achord bounces on his toes like an impatient little kid watching his guys work, stomps his right foot on the ground and vaults his right arm forward to demonstrate how someone should return a kick.

— Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
If anything, the dichotomy between the pop star who prances around Versailles in a sheer nightie and the pop star who stomps onstage in knee-high combat boots feels completely authentic and intentional.

— Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Definition of stomps

Noun

The policy updates come amid the slew of ongoing legal battles by players who were originally part of the 2022 high school recruiting class seeking a fifth year of collegiate eligibility.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Then came battles with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.

— Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of battles

Verb

In the movie, the two actors first cross paths when Ledger’s character stumbles upon Bettany, who is fully naked, strolling through the streets after losing his clothes and money from gambling.

— Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026
Shortly after, a young man stumbles towards Pat from the direction of the pub, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

— Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of stumbles

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“Scuffles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scuffles. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scuffles

noun

verb

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