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

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
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
  • The bizarre encounter prompted Edelman to share a warning about rabies and what people should do after possible contact with a bat.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • On August 31 an encounter between miners and Chafin’s deputies resulted in gunfire, and the Battle of Blair Mountain began.
    — Katie Angell Britannica Editors Aug. 27, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of encounter
Noun
  • Assertive Mars clashes with your ruler Saturn, highlighting tension around your home, family, or the amount of emotional labor each person carries.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The clash between Ossoff and Piker comes as members of the Jewish community in Atlanta have criticized the Jewish Democrat, largely over his votes to block certain arms sales to Israel.
    — Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 31 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
  • 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
  • The only intrigue at offensive line was the backup center battle between Hudson and Patrick.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of battle
Verb
  • Issues involving crew fatigue and performance, along with warning signal flaws, are surfacing as federal authorities continue to probe a fatal freight train crash in Elgin last fall.
    — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Among the secrets Roman will probe is the nature of dark energy and dark matter.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of probe
Noun
  • Mayer had some early success with her jab, but Cameron increasingly took control as the fight progressed and landed the cleaner punches before hurting Mayer with a right hand in the eighth round.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Metchie was very much on the bubble of the 53-man roster, and he was outperformed by his peers, even if not by much in this rock-fight of a contest.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of fight
Verb
  • Virtue Asia will present Why Brands Need Entertainment, Not More Content, exploring how brands can move from advertising around culture to actively creating the stories and characters audiences choose to follow.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Șerban draws on her own experience to explore identity and belonging from a Roma woman’s perspective.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on skirmish

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skirmish

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