clash

[klash]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a loud, harsh noise.

   The gears of the old car clashed and grated.

   Synonyms: crash, clang

2. to come together or collide, especially noisily.

   The cymbals clashed.

3. to conflict; disagree.

   Their stories of the accident clashed completely.

4. (of juxtaposed colors) to be offensive to the eye.

5. to engage in a physical conflict or contest, as in a game or a battle (often followed bywith ).

   The Yankees clash with the White Sox for the final game of the season.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with a resounding or violent collision.

   He clashed his fist against the heavy door.

2. to produce (sound) by or as by collision.

   The tower bell clashed its mournful note.

noun

1. a loud, harsh noise, as of a collision.

   The automobiles collided with a terrible clash.

2. a collision, especially a noisy one.

3. a conflict; opposition, especially of views or interests.

   a clash between nations.

   Synonyms: dispute, altercation, disagreement
   Antonyms: cooperation, agreement

4. a battle, fight, or skirmish.

   The clash between the border patrols left three men dead.

clash

/ klæʃ /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a loud harsh sound, esp by striking together

2. (intr) to be incompatible; conflict

3. (intr) to engage together in conflict or contest

4. (intr) (of dates or events) to coincide

5. (intr) (of colours) to look ugly or inharmonious together

noun

1. a loud harsh noise

2. a collision or conflict

3. gossip; tattle

Other Word Forms

• clasher noun
• clashingly adverb
• interclash noun
• unclashing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clash¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; blend of clap ¹ and dash ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of clash¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Despite England having a much more mixed record, management opted against any of their main players being part of a two-day day-night clash against a Prime Minister's XI this weekend in Canberra.

Read more on Barron's

TEL AVIV—An Israeli military raid in a village in southern Syria erupted into deadly clashes early Friday, deepening a rift between the two neighbors as Israel moves to secure its northern borders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi vowed there would be no complacency against a depleted Wales when the two teams clash in Cardiff on Saturday.

Read more on Barron's

The trade clash between Washington and Beijing threatened Western access to rare earths, which are critical to Europe’s defense and green transition.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Whether Khawaja keeps his spot in the XI remains to be seen with Australia not expected to finalise their starting side until the eve of the clash.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• argument 
• battle 
• brawl 
• conflict 
• confrontation 
• crash 
• dispute 
• encounter 
• fracas 
• melee 
• misunderstanding 
• rift 
• riot 
• showdown 
• skirmish 

When To Use

What are other ways to say clash?

A clash is a conflict; this word is also used in reference to opposition, especially of views or interests. How does clash compare to brush and struggle? Find out on Thesaurus.com.