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Definitions

fighting

[fahy-ting] / ˈfaɪ tɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
aggressive, warlike
Synonyms
STRONG
battling belligerent boxing brawling contending determined fencing hostile jousting martial militant skirmishing sparring tilting warmongering wrestling
WEAK
angry argumentative bellicose combative contentious disputatious disputative ferocious hawkish jingoistic militaristic pugnacious quarrelsome ready to fight resolute scrappy truculent unbeatable under arms up in arms
Antonyms
STRONG
kind nice peaceful
WEAK
peaceloving
NOUN
battle, encounter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bloodshed combat conflict dispute exchange hostility melee riot scuffle strife struggle war warfare
STRONG
argument beef blowup bout brawling brush contention flap fracas free-for-all go hassle joust match mix rough-and-tumble roughhouse row rowdy rumble rumpus run-in scramble scrap scrimmage set-to spat tiff words wrangle
WEAK
battle royal brannigan donnybrook hell broke loose punch out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accord agreement calm harmony peace
WEAK
ceasefire surrender

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.

Never mind that even his friends told him fighting would be a waste of time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Sun Tzu, perhaps the most famous military strategist in human history, wrote in the fifth century B.C. that subduing an enemy without fighting was the height of military skill.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

He added there are plans to add more military assets to Canada's Northwest Territories and increase war fighting tasks in the north, "because we always like to be ready for the worst".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

His social media messaging "emotionally resonated" with his followers, granting him an "unparalleled organic reach", said Kovesdi, adding many supporters see him as a "hero, tirelessly fighting for them".

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

It would have been no use, fighting the girl.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny