confrontation

noun

ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce confrontation (audio)
Definition of confrontationnext
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another the softball rivals met in an epic confrontation on the last weekend of the summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 confrontation According to court testimony, Boulis’ demands to be paid were repeatedly stonewalled by Abramoff and Kidan, leading at one point to a confrontation that turned violent. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026 Cape Verde gave the defending champions a major scare on Friday, forcing extra time before Argentina got by via a late own goal in an epic Round of 32 confrontation. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Today, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, those niceties will be placed to one side for 90 minutes, allowing the physical confrontation to reclaim centre stage. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026 The acknowledgment reflects an unusual level of cooperation between Washington and Caracas despite years of intense political confrontation. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for confrontation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confrontation
  1. rivalry
  2. battle
  3. struggle
  4. competition
  5. duel
  6. conflict
  7. warfare
  8. war
Noun
  • The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
  • Spain and Portugal renew their historic rivalry, with Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo in contrasting lights.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of rivalry
Noun
  • True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • There have been naval battles and beheadings and aerial battles and, well, more beheadings.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Clifford was impressed with Acuff’s ability to play through his early struggles.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
  • Older students and professionals face an existential struggle to find a job, according to Yahya Alhamarna, a 24-year-old author displaced in Gaza City.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • Gabriel and Haaland are key men for their countries, too; whoever shades their personal duel will have a great chance of finishing on the winning team.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • As with many Latin American and African teams, Paraguay defend deep and are extremely physical in duels and aerial battles.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026
Definition of duel
Noun
  • China has helped cushion the global oil shock, seen its clean energy tech exports surge and framed the war in Iran as another example in which Chinese leadership could supersede the US in ending global conflicts.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • China has showcased what may be one of its most innovative unmanned warfare concepts yet, according to reports.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • The attack comes amid an escalating pattern of long-range warfare between the two countries.
    — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 2 July 2026
Definition of warfare
Noun
  • Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • The war period saw its own moments of threats to rights, such as suspending habeas corpus, the legal mechanism to prevent arbitrary detention.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of war

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confront
confrontation
confrontational
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Cite this Entry

“Confrontation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confrontation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on confrontation

Nglish: Translation of confrontation for Spanish Speakers

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