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Synonyms

fighting

American  
[fahy-ting] / ˈfaɪ tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. fit to fight.

    a boxer who's no longer in fighting shape.

  2. tending or meant to stir up a fight or hostility.

    fighting words.


Other Word Forms

  • unfighting adjective

Etymology

Origin of fighting

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; fight + -ing 2

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.

Japan is fighting back against online abuse of athletes and sports authorities have a warning for trolls planning to target competitors at this year's Asian Games: You are being watched.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

But “we think tech will do well regardless of what happens” in the next two weeks under the agreement to pause fighting in the Middle East as a peace plan is negotiated, he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

“We’re the fighting soap company,” he later declared.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Speaking to BBC Sport, Croke Park stadium chief executive Peter McKenna said a Fury-Joshua fight in Dublin could mean Katie Taylor finally realised her dream of fighting in the stadium.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

No more grooming-nibbles in the morning; no more uproarious games of hide and hunt… Torak bit his knuckle, fighting his fear.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver