clash

1 of 2

verb

clashed; clashing; clashes

intransitive verb

1
: to make a clash
cymbals clashed
2
: to come into conflict
where ignorant armies clash by nightMatthew Arnold
also : to be incompatible
the colors clashed

transitive verb

: to cause to clash
clasher noun

clash

2 of 2

noun

1
: a noisy usually metallic sound of collision
2
a
: a hostile encounter : skirmish
b
: a sharp conflict
a clash of opinions

Examples of clash in a Sentence

Verb Police and protesters clashed yesterday. The sofa and the chair clash. She ended the song by clashing the cymbals. Noun Hundreds were killed in ethnic clashes in the region last month. a clash between rival gangs that resulted in some serious injuries
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Two worlds, one of a dwindling aristocracy, and the other of racing capitalism converge and throw up a whirlwind of clashing ambitions, steamy romance, chic couture and fashion-forward Instagrammable moments. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 As with Philadelphia’s Roosevelt Boulevard, the width and traffic speed of state roads in urban neighborhoods now frequently clash with local desires for street safety, quality transit service, and pedestrian comfort. David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
After sidestepping any possibility of Jones triggering a $23 million injury guarantee by benching the starter, the Giants are giving DeVito another audition in the nation’s biggest media market—which includes a Thanksgiving clash with the Dallas Cowboys. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2024 Western leaders including Biden have said that avoiding a direct clash between Russia and NATO is a top priority given the danger of nuclear war. David Brennan, ABC News, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clash 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clash was circa 1500

Dictionary Entries Near clash

Cite this Entry

“Clash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clash. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

clash

1 of 2 verb
1
: to make a clash
clashing cymbals
2
a
: to come into conflict
pickets clashed with the police
b
: to not match well
our ideas clashed
some colors clash
clasher noun

clash

2 of 2 noun
1
: a loud sharp sound usually of metal striking metal
the clash of swords
2
: a sharp fight or strong disagreement

More from Merriam-Webster on clash

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