1
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
the police broke up the fracas in the bar and threw both combatants in the lockup
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2
as in brawl
a rough and often noisy fight usually involving several people
police preparing for any fracas that might follow the soccer game
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Recent Examples of fracas
Whether the fracas was Zelensky's fault or not, the fallout for Ukraine could be severe.
—
Barak Ravid, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Back during the Winning Time fracas, the pushback from the Lakers’ orbit tended to center on notions of its accuracy.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
But at the heart of the fracas was Mitchell against Bane, who is 6-5.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
For those who have been blissfully able to avoid the whole fracas, Blake Lively‘s December complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which then became the basis of a lawsuit, was the opening salvo in this uncivil war.
—Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Barak Ravid, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Back during the Winning Time fracas, the pushback from the Lakers’ orbit tended to center on notions of its accuracy.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
But at the heart of the fracas was Mitchell against Bane, who is 6-5.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
For those who have been blissfully able to avoid the whole fracas, Blake Lively‘s December complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, which then became the basis of a lawsuit, was the opening salvo in this uncivil war.
—Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fracas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fracas
Noun
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The Holy Roman Empire army did eventually move on from the camp, engaging in several skirmishes with the Swedish army stationed nearby.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Today’s group readies to replay the opening battle skirmish, practicing to get their roles down for the upcoming anniversary celebration.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article A 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in the Bronx after an argument outside a pizza parlor turned into an all-out brawl, police said Thursday.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
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So, too, was Gordon, Christian Braun, Jokić and other Nuggets nearly getting into a full-on brawl with James Harden and the Clippers on the last possession of the first half.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The following day, however, Mercury will meet Mars in a stubborn square, triggering a clash between the need for practicality and discernment versus the desire to express oneself boldly and with pride.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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India has been a nuclear power for over 50 years, possessing an arsenal that is publicly clandestine but capable in warfare—notably against its neighboring country, Pakistan, amid their decades-long clash over Kashmir.—
Nick Mordowanec
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Back in January, Kerley was hit with a domestic violence charge in an unrelated incident from last year, after he was arrested following an altercation with police.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
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This comes after an altercation with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo at the conclusion of the team's playoff series.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Lorna Romero Ferguson, a Republican political strategist based in Arizona, told the Washington Examiner that both parties are still going to have to battle over redistricting efforts and keep extremist candidates from the ballot box to stay competitive after the 2030 census.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2025
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Barner had a good rookie season and the battle between him and Arroyo will be interesting to watch.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The fight is actually bigger than just, oh, how much money does Harvard have?—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2025
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Medicaid fight will be front and center A major point of contention is cuts to Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program for people with disabilities and low-income adults.—
Claudia Grisales,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The film, which chronicles prosecutors’ controversial 2023 raid on an online news outlet amid a defamation dustup with then-President Yoon Suk Yeol,, has grossed $276,864 since its midweek opening.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2025
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From casting backlash and political dustups to a lingering conversation of how to portray the tale's dwarfs in 2025, here's a timeline detailing the Snow White live-action remake's controversies.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fracas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fracas. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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