clash
14 synonyms and 1 antonym for clash, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A loud, jarring sound made when hard objects strike together.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A loud, jarring sound made when hard objects strike together.
“We heard the clash of pans falling from the kitchen shelf.”
How to use clash
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
clash of opinions
colours that clash
the two events clash
a violent clash
Etymology
Imitative (onomatopoeic) in origin, echoing the sound of a sudden collision — related to similar "clap/slap" words in Dutch and German.
Full origin of clash →Frequently asked questions
What does “clash” mean?
The word “clash” means a loud, jarring sound made when hard objects strike together. In plain terms, a collision, disagreement, or mismatch — used for sounds, conflicts, colours, and clashing schedules alike.
How do you pronounce “clash”?
“Clash” is pronounced KLASH (/ˈklæʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clash” in a sentence?
Here is “clash” used in a sentence: “There was a clash of cymbals at the climax of the song.”
What part of speech is “clash”?
Depending on how it is used, “clash” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “clash” come from?
The word “clash” comes from German. Imitative (onomatopoeic) in origin, echoing the sound of a sudden collision — related to similar "clap/slap" words in Dutch and German.
Is “clash” a common word?
“Clash” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “clash” have?
“Clash” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a loud, jarring sound made when hard objects strike together.
What is the difference between a clash and a fight?
A 'clash' is a serious disagreement or conflict, which may be verbal, physical, or between opposing groups. A 'fight' usually implies direct physical or heated confrontation, whereas a clash can also describe conflicting ideas, schedules, or personalities.
What is the difference between things that 'clash' and things that 'match'?
When two things match, they go well together and look harmonious; when they clash, they look jarring side by side. The terms are opposites and are used most often of colours, patterns, and styles.
