skirmish

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.

That adjective would not apply to a public skirmish between the president of the university and the consultant that conducted the study commissioned by the university.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

During yet another skirmish outside, a woman came in, sobbing.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

India, which the U.S. hit with 50% tariffs despite its early push for a trade deal, struck a trade pact with China last fall, repairing a relationship strained after a 2024 border skirmish.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

But ministers avoided a legislative skirmish over the proposals last year, as they were not included in the law to rubber-stamp the 2024 Budget.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

I fought that battle, that first skirmish of a long campaign, for Finny.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles