1
as in clash
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
they were thrown out of the party after starting a brawl
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in altercation
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
the student drama society's decision to put on the controversial play prompted a brawl at the school board meeting
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in roar
loud, confused, and usually inharmonious sound
we could hear the brawl of the river rapids ahead of us before we could actually see them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to bicker
to express different opinions about something often angrily
the Wilsons were always loudly brawling, and the neighbors were always shutting their windows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 brawl
Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The ban was part of a curfew ordered by Maier early on July 31, hours after brawls with police, a racist threat and gunfire led to a riot in the heart of Milwaukee's Black neighborhood on the city's north side.
—Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
The president spoke as if a war between nations was similar to a fight between brawling children.
—Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Noun
Punk is deeply tied into current main-event storylines with real-life married couple Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, so the impending couples brawl is a great story.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The ban was part of a curfew ordered by Maier early on July 31, hours after brawls with police, a racist threat and gunfire led to a riot in the heart of Milwaukee's Black neighborhood on the city's north side.
—Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
The men Danielson brawled with—Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, and Gabe Kidd—were all members or associates of the Blackpool Combat Club, a faction that Danielson himself founded alongside Moxley.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
The president spoke as if a war between nations was similar to a fight between brawling children.
—Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brawl
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brawl
Noun
-
Those clashes became viral videos that cemented his reputation as a culture warrior.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
On November 25, the La Liga holders travel to Stamford Bridge for a mouthwatering clash with the reigning Club World Cup kings.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Buffalo Bills ejected the fan who got into an altercation with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during Sunday night’s game at Highmark Stadium.—
Jenna West,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The altercation happened with about eight minutes remaining in the third quarter of the game.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nestor Lorenzo’s team lost form and went six games without a victory, but James' goal brought a roar and relief to the entire country.—
Joseph O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The dull roar from the construction site cuts out.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Coaches are also bickering about money, a topic that would have felt out of place 10 years ago.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The crew members bicker among themselves.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
More than a dozen people faced criminal charges stemming from a melee after a rally in Soliman’s support; demonstrators and police blame each other for the violence July 17.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Notably, Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets avoided punishment after appearing to strike Vargas on the chin during the post-match melee.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nearly a year after being removed from Lincoln Heights' village council over a tax dispute, a leading community activist has had his seat restored by a state appeals court.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
How the courts and legislatures balance the rights of the majority and minority in these disputes over the place of the Ten Commandments in public life may go a long way toward shaping the future of religious freedom in American public education.—
Lydia Artz,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has reported that there is already noise about Pittsburgh pursuing a trade for Hill.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The Las Vegas formula of maximalism—24/7 noise, crowds, queues, and constant spend—clashes with a mood that prizes sleep, space, and self-regulation.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Among other resources, two engines have also been deployed to fight the wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Her grandfather served in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brawl.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brawl. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share