Meaning & use
skirmish
A brief, minor fight or clash, especially between small groups rather than full armies.
See it in a sentence
A border skirmish broke out between the two patrols before officers restored calm.
The debate turned into a verbal skirmish between the two candidates over tax policy.
A note on using this word
Often used figuratively for a small argument or dispute, not only literal armed combat.
Words with a similar meaning
clashscuffle
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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