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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of fracas
Watching the fracas from afar, Gizelle Bryant’s gears are finally starting to turn.
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Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024
There was a broken arm and a broken nose, plus a couple more people hurt in the fracas of the Party Bus pursuit.
—Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024
Fortunately, the fracas fizzled out fairly quickly, not escalating as much as the brawl after Michigan’s upset of Ohio State earlier in the day.
—Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024
As that fracas played out behind the scenes, The Apprentice arrived in France with distribution presold in a number of countries but still seeking a North American deal.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fracas 
Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024
There was a broken arm and a broken nose, plus a couple more people hurt in the fracas of the Party Bus pursuit.
—Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024
Fortunately, the fracas fizzled out fairly quickly, not escalating as much as the brawl after Michigan’s upset of Ohio State earlier in the day.
—Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 1 Dec. 2024
As that fracas played out behind the scenes, The Apprentice arrived in France with distribution presold in a number of countries but still seeking a North American deal.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fracas
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fracas
Noun
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The ugly scene on a suburban street was a harbinger of skirmishes to come.Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
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Houston teammates then ran in to defend their teammate, as well, leading to a skirmish that spilled out of bounds while Lawrence remained on the turf, still on his back, as medical personnel tended to him.Andrew Greif, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
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At least four others were injured during the shooting rampage in the western town of Cetinje on Wednesday, which authorities say began after a bar brawl.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025
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Coming out of the brutal men’s bathroom brawl, which left Thanos and four others dead, Team X did a quick recount to determine which side (truly) lost more votes.Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In addition to engaging in regular border clashes with Israel, the group has supported Bashar al-Assad in his decimation of Syrian rebels and has been accused of assassinating Lebanese political figures who oppose Syrian or Iranian influence in the country.Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
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This, as increasing pressures on directors to become more engaged clash with related concerns of executives with board micromanagement.Michael Peregrine, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In 2016, the actress filed for divorce after accusing Pitt of physically abusing her and their children during an altercation on a private jet.Ashley Hume, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024
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Two years ago, Jolie filed a countersuit over a dispute about the sale of her half of the pair’s winery that detailed an altercation in 2016 including Pitt being physically aggressive to both Jolie and their children.Max Goldbart, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Osbourne didn't share much about her treatment, but this update comes on the heels of her recent battle with a high fever over the holidays.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
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Yarrow died at his home in New York City after a four-year battle with bladder cancer, his publicist Ken Sunshine told USA TODAY.Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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At the time, Carter's administration was asking Congress to approve some $5 million in military aid to assist in the fight against leftist guerrillas, despite several reports of right-wing death squads carrying out extrajudicial killings against union organizers, teachers and priests.Jasmine Romero, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
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A number of employees also left Automattic last year after the company offered to buy out staff who didn’t agree with its fight against WP Engine.Emma Roth, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The game was getting testy and, after a dustup after the horn to end the second period, matching minors were handed out and the third started with a 4-on-4.Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2024
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Clearly, though, neither Sirianni nor Hurtt got the message to Carter, who was involved in several on-field dustups Sunday.Marcus Hayes, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Fracas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fracas. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
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