as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
the police had to break up an affray that started between fans of the opposing teams
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of affray
That simple affray charge was dismissed on April 22, according to court records.
—
Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2024
Although Stokes was fully acquitted of affray, the incident had a deep effect on him and was a stop-the-clock moment in his career.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Two 13-year-old boys were charged with assault and battery by means of a deadly weapon (shod foot), affray, and resisting arrest, police said.
—Nick Stoico, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2023
On Tuesday — nearly two months after the incident — Anne Arundel County police arrested 26-year-old Trevor Taylor of Glen Burnie, Md., on charges of manslaughter, second-degree assault, affray and disorderly conduct.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 21 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for affray
Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2024
Although Stokes was fully acquitted of affray, the incident had a deep effect on him and was a stop-the-clock moment in his career.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Two 13-year-old boys were charged with assault and battery by means of a deadly weapon (shod foot), affray, and resisting arrest, police said.
—Nick Stoico, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2023
On Tuesday — nearly two months after the incident — Anne Arundel County police arrested 26-year-old Trevor Taylor of Glen Burnie, Md., on charges of manslaughter, second-degree assault, affray and disorderly conduct.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 21 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for affray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affray
Noun
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Chelsea's 3-0 FIFA Club World Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, with President Donald Trump in attendance, was marred by a postgame brawl.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
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In 2004, the two sides engaged in an ugly brawl with just under six minutes to play.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
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During the altercation, a man pulled a gun and shot Ramirez.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
23 July 2025
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See Jackie Christie and Chantel’s unfortunate altercation above.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
22 July 2025
Noun
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Which is why policy analysts are scratching their heads about what exactly lies behind the escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
25 July 2025
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The Thai Health Ministry said 15 civilians and one soldier had been killed and 46 civilians and 15 soldiers wounded in the clashes since Thursday.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Affray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affray. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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