scuffle
8 synonyms for scuffle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters.
Synonyms
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 brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters.
“A scuffle broke out near the exit after the game.”
How to use scuffle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a minor scuffle
break up a scuffle
scuffle with police
Etymology
Likely from a Scandinavian root related to "to push" or "to shove," as seen in Swedish skuff ("a push").
Full origin of scuffle →Frequently asked questions
What does “scuffle” mean?
The word “scuffle” means a brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters. In plain terms, a short, messy fight, or to engage in one.
How do you pronounce “scuffle”?
“Scuffle” is pronounced SKUH-fuhl (/ˈskʌfəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scuffle” in a sentence?
Here is “scuffle” used in a sentence: “A scuffle broke out near the exit after the game.”
What part of speech is “scuffle”?
Depending on how it is used, “scuffle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scuffle” come from?
The word “scuffle” comes from Swedish. Likely from a Scandinavian root related to "to push" or "to shove," as seen in Swedish skuff ("a push").
How many meanings does “scuffle” have?
“Scuffle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters.
