battle
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for battle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fight between opposing armed forces, especially as part of a larger war.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A fight between opposing armed forces, especially as part of a larger war.
“Soldiers on both sides were exhausted after the long battle.”
Opposites
2. verb
To fight or struggle against someone or something.
“Farmers are battling drought after weeks without any rain.”
How to use battle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fight a battle
battle against the odds
losing battle
Etymology
From Old French bataille, ultimately from Latin battuo, "to beat or strike."
Full origin of battle →Frequently asked questions
What does “battle” mean?
The word “battle” means a fight between opposing armed forces, especially as part of a larger war. In plain terms, an armed fight, or, more broadly, any hard struggle or contest.
How do you pronounce “battle”?
“Battle” is pronounced BATL (/ˈbætl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “battle” in a sentence?
Here is “battle” used in a sentence: “The battle raged for three days before either side retreated.”
What part of speech is “battle”?
Depending on how it is used, “battle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “battle” come from?
The word “battle” comes from Latin. From Old French bataille, ultimately from Latin battuo, "to beat or strike.".
Is “battle” a common word?
“Battle” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “battle” have?
“Battle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fight between opposing armed forces, especially as part of a larger war.
What is the difference between a battle and a war?
A battle is a single, contained clash between opposing forces, usually fought at one place and time. A war is the larger, ongoing conflict made up of many battles, together with politics, strategy, and long stretches without fighting. This is why you can lose a battle yet still win the war.
What is the difference between a battle and a skirmish?
Both are armed clashes, but scale sets them apart. A skirmish is a small, often brief and unplanned encounter between limited numbers of troops. A battle is larger and more decisive, involving major forces and a clear objective, and it usually carries far greater weight in the outcome of a war.
Can 'battle' be used figuratively?
Yes. Beyond armed combat, 'battle' commonly describes any hard struggle — a battle against illness, a legal battle, or a battle of wills. In these uses it keeps the sense of sustained effort against a strong opponent or obstacle, even when no physical fighting is involved at all.
What is an example of a famous battle?
The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 is a classic example: opposing armies met on a single field, and the result ended Napoleon's rule. Like most battles, it was one decisive engagement within a wider war, remembered for its scale and for its lasting political consequences across Europe.
