battle/clash of wills
noun phrase
: a contest in which each side is determined to get what it wants and neither side seems willing to yield or compromise
He won the battle/clash of wills with his wife.
Examples of battle/clash of wills in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their epic battle of wills comes to verge on black comedy, but the widow’s simultaneous battle with her own mortality gives the novel an unexpected poignancy.
—
The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
As aggressive Mars in your 8th House of Shared Resources argues with entrenched Pluto in your personal finance zone, the situation may seem like a battle of wills at this point.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2024
Adapted for television by Phoebe Fisher and Sara Goodman, this 21st-century retelling is a battle of wills between two volatile stepsiblings: the conniving and cross-wearing Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) and the manipulative Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
In a fifth set, tennis often becomes a battle of wills more than shot-making, as weariness sets in.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for battle/clash of wills 
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.
The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
As aggressive Mars in your 8th House of Shared Resources argues with entrenched Pluto in your personal finance zone, the situation may seem like a battle of wills at this point.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2024
Adapted for television by Phoebe Fisher and Sara Goodman, this 21st-century retelling is a battle of wills between two volatile stepsiblings: the conniving and cross-wearing Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) and the manipulative Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess).
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
In a fifth set, tennis often becomes a battle of wills more than shot-making, as weariness sets in.
—Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for battle/clash of wills
Dictionary Entries Near battle/clash of wills
Cite this Entry
“Battle/clash of wills.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battle%2Fclash%20of%20wills. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share