as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
several chairs were knocked over in the scuffle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 scuffle
Stella Kim, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024
After routing Temple in the season opener, the Sooners have scuffled a bit.
—Tom Layberger, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Democrats are scuffling to control the two houses of the state legislature — with a majority in neither.
—Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 25 Jan. 2025
For one, the Penguins have been scuffling in recent games and badly needed a win to right their playoff aspirations.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scuffle
Verb
They were joined by hundreds of protesters, some of whom scuffled with the 300 or so soldiers and police officers at the site.
—Stella Kim, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024
After routing Temple in the season opener, the Sooners have scuffled a bit.
—Tom Layberger, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Democrats are scuffling to control the two houses of the state legislature — with a majority in neither.
—Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 25 Jan. 2025
For one, the Penguins have been scuffling in recent games and badly needed a win to right their playoff aspirations.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scuffle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scuffle
Noun
-
Musk’s latest statement marks yet another escalation in the ongoing skirmish.—
Dimitar 'Mix' Mihov,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
-
As per an incident report obtained by the Miami Herald, multiple guests eventually joined in the skirmish at Manor Complex entertainment complex in Wilton Manors in the early hours of Jan. 26.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The Sharks shuffled their lines before the start of the third period.—
Curtis Pashelka,
The Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2025
-
At the glitzy afterparty, stars shuffled through a packed room.—
Jay Stahl,
USA TODAY,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But federal courts are wrestling with the fallout, blocking some of the actions at least temporarily.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Many capable, accomplished women live in the ‘not enough’ trap, wrestling daily with a nagging sense of inadequacy.—
Margie Warrell,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Chicago Fire April 19: Columbus Crew May 10: Minnesota United May 14: San Jose Earthquakes May 24: Philadelphia Union The good news for out-of-Miami Messi fans is that – so far – there are no direct schedule clashes between the Argentina national team schedule and the Herons’ itinerary.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
The sun’s clash with Jupiter encourages you to accept a promising career opportunity!—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Skype won attention in the 2000s for giving people a way to talk without paying the phone company, but stumbled in the mobile era and didn’t enjoy a major resurgence during the pandemic.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Those concerns came to a head during Biden's debate against now-President Donald Trump in June, when Biden sounded hoarse and appeared to stumble through several answers.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Formulated with zinc pyrithione (this is what actively fights flaky skin), squalane (boosts shine), and sugar kelp extract (prevents inflammation and bacteria growth), this is a total powerhouse haircare product.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Russia has skirted around Pokrovsk, a city key to Ukrainian defenses in the east, rather than fighting inside the settlement.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
As a digital balloting closed earlier Sunday, Carney received the overwhelming majority of the 150,000 members of the Liberal Party than any other contender in the short leadership battle.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Whoever challenges for the Democrat nomination will have half an eye on the national battle, where the economy, security and national pride are likely to outweigh liberal issues.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Warren’s deep, husky voice frees himself from the blame of an unhealthy relationship over a stomping piano beat.—
Rania Aniftos,
Billboard,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Boston stomped the competition last season en route to winning their record 18th NBA championship.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scuffle. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share