1
as in fight
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
passing the medical licensing exam was an uphill battle, but she succeeded
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2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a battle between rival gangs left two people lying dead on the street
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3
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war
soldiers who desperately wanted to forget the horrors that they had witnessed in battle
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4
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the chess game was a real battle between two of the world's best players
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1
2
3
as in to fight
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict
the two armies battled each other for control of the bridge
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4
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate
we must battle hunger and poverty wherever they exist
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of battle
Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 26 Nov. 2024
Some difficult confirmation battles lay ahead As Trump rounds out the list of 15 Cabinet roles, as well as other key appointments, not all of his choices are guaranteed to glide through the confirmation process, even with Republicans holding 53 seats in the Senate.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024
David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Israel has been battling Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and overnight at least 19 people were injured in the central Israeli city of Tira after projectiles were launched over the border.
—Vasco Cotovio, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for battle 
Noun
Rather died in Austin, Texas, surrounded by family and friends following a battle with cancer, her family said in a statement.
—Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 26 Nov. 2024
Some difficult confirmation battles lay ahead As Trump rounds out the list of 15 Cabinet roles, as well as other key appointments, not all of his choices are guaranteed to glide through the confirmation process, even with Republicans holding 53 seats in the Senate.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
James Van Der Beek is battling cancer.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Israel has been battling Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and overnight at least 19 people were injured in the central Israeli city of Tira after projectiles were launched over the border.
—Vasco Cotovio, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for battle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for battle
Noun
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Witnesses and surveillance video footage established that there were multiple fights involving the concerned parties throughout the evening.Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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But once the fight ended, Talley said things calmed down and after some time even more people congregated in the parking lot.Marquise Francis, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The United States has consistently urged caution and restraint on both sides of the conflict, warning that the continuation of the skirmishes could unintentionally erupt into a broad regional war.Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Oct. 2024
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The commission must now fight a separate legal battle in a bid to enforce the fine — one of many skirmishes pitting the Australian government against tech mogul Musk.Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 4 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Its inaugural field of teams includes Alabama, Houston, Texas A&M, Creighton, Rutgers, San Diego State, Oregon and Notre Dame.Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024
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This is a shameful ruse by Christian nationalists in Texas who see the schools as a mission field.Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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But these games are also the most exciting and meaningful contests of the season to the players, coaches and fan bases, as rivalry games bring out the greatest emotions, energy and effort.Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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Two days after tensions flared going into halftime of the crosstown rivalry game, DeShaun Foster remained salty about UCLA being the only team punished.Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
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In September 2020, Wilson decided to make the switch and signed to compete in acrobatics and tumbling at Oregon.Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2024
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One of those women, an unidentified current cross country runner, shared her experience of having to compete against one of those athletes during the hearing.Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
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After being hit with some of the coldest temperatures on record, Central Texans will now face rainfall throughout the week.Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
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Next week, the celebrities and their partners will face each other in the fight for the Mirrorball trophy.Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Her re-election sets Phoenix up to continue growing the burgeoning technology and health care industries, building sustainable infrastructure to combat climate change and expanding public transportation options.Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
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Researchers could face obstacles in tracking and combating climate change, leaving governments and businesses less prepared for its impacts and less able to help thwart climate change.Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Across the country there are 28 additional federal court vacancies for which Biden never named a nominee, most of them in red states whose senators probably would have opposed his picks.Tobi Raji The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
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The committee met Wednesday but did not come to an agreement on whether to release its report—which threatened to derail Gaetz’s confirmation as attorney general, which is already precarious as even GOP lawmakers have opposed his nomination.Alison Durkee, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Battle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/battle. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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