1
as in fight
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
passing the medical licensing exam was an uphill battle, but she succeeded
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2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a battle between rival gangs left two people lying dead on the street
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war
soldiers who desperately wanted to forget the horrors that they had witnessed in battle
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4
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the chess game was a real battle between two of the world's best players
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1
2
3
as in to fight
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict
the two armies battled each other for control of the bridge
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate
we must battle hunger and poverty wherever they exist
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of battle
USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Bodies from Monday’s battles lay in the streets, hospitals were overwhelmed, and U.N. peacekeepers were sheltering in bases.
—Reuters, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
With golf's biggest names battling on one of the sport's most breathtaking courses, the final round at Pebble Beach promises big drama, high stakes, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for battle 
Noun
That may be the battle in your head as the Pisces moon aggravates Jupiter.
—USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
Bodies from Monday’s battles lay in the streets, hospitals were overwhelmed, and U.N. peacekeepers were sheltering in bases.
—Reuters, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
Wendy Calabrese’s 4-year-old rescue dog Hazel died from the disease on Jan. 8 after battling it since November.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025
With golf's biggest names battling on one of the sport's most breathtaking courses, the final round at Pebble Beach promises big drama, high stakes, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for battle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for battle
Noun
-
In making the boldest move in franchise history Saturday night, the Lakers rediscovered their fight, their future and the hearts of their fans.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Feb. 2025
-
Two City fans recognised him on a bus, abused him and a fight ensued.—
Andy Mitten,
The Athletic,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
He’s been seen in multiple skirmishes with Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans as the two players competed during NFC South rivalry games when the cornerback was on the Saints.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
26 Jan. 2025
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North Carolina politics: A skirmish has erupted over a state Supreme Court race in the Tar Heel State more than two months after Democrats narrowly clinched the seat.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Talking to reporters at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, then-head coach Mike McCarthy was asked about taking over play-calling duties going into that season and how his philosophies would manifest onto the field.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Jan. 2025
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To understand why, consider the field of artificial intelligence (AI).—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Gleason also was a key player on the floor in Friday night’s rivalry game.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 2025
-
That’ll add some fuel to the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This follows Trump’s recent order restricting access for transgender children and teens to compete in sports from kindergarten through senior year of high school.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
6 Feb. 2025
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday afternoon banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
But its road to the screen faced immediate challenges.—
Shirley Halperin,
The Hollywood Reporter,
28 Jan. 2025
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In combating the Vela project, Bothwell has linked with like-minded organizations across the state facing similar struggles, such as Wake Up California and Livable California.—
Steven Mihailovich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Educators have long relied on Holocaust curricula to combat antisemitism.—
Mark Treyger,
New York Daily News,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Emhoff’s portfolio as the first Second Gentleman included representing the U.S. at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and numerous other diplomatic events, and leading the administration’s work combatting antisemitism.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Indian Tribes will zealously oppose the rollback of environmental protections and will insist on enforcing the right to consultation on land-use decisions with the new administration.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
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The president already needed Vice President J.D. Vance to break a tie Senate vote to get his Defense secretary confirmed after three Republicans opposed the nomination.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Battle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/battle. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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