cross swords with

VERB

combat

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cope fight oppose repel resist withstand

STRONG

battle buck clash contend contest defy dispute duel engage strive struggle traverse war

WEAK

do battle with go up against put up a fight shoot it out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

support surrender yield

STRONG

agree give in give up make peace

WEAK

compromise retreat run

VERB

conflict

Synonyms

STRONGEST

differ disagree disturb vary

STRONG

brawl clash collide combat contend contest contrast disaccord discord disharmonize fight interfere jar mismatch oppose romp scrap slug strive struggle tangle

WEAK

bump heads with lock horns with run against tide square off with

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agree consent harmonize

STRONG

aid assist give up help make peace retreat support surrender yield

WEAK

be calm

VERB

duke it out

Synonyms

WEAK

battle bump heads do battle fight fight it out fight to the finish give no quarter lock horns mix it up with struggle with tangle with wrestle with

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zohran Mamdani, the young star of the US left, started his first day as New York mayor on Thursday for a term sure to see him cross swords with President Donald Trump.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

Chuck Hagel is not the first to cross swords with Barack Obama.

From Washington Times • Nov. 26, 2014

It’s difficult to find people willing to cross swords with powerful and well-connected folks like Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone and former U.S.

From US News • Aug. 1, 2014

Still, the younger generation is often out front on replication because they relish a chance to cross swords with their elders.

From New York Times • Apr. 22, 2013

I wanted very much to cross swords with Percy Yutar, but it was more important that I use the platform to highlight our grievances.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

cross swords with

Example Sentences

Related Words