clash

A disagreement or conflict between different ideas, interests, or aims.

• Their meeting ended in a clash.
• The plan caused a clash of interests.
• A clash between traditional and modern values divided the family.

How to use it: a clash between A and B (There is a clash between their values and ours.); a clash of something (A clash of personalities made teamwork difficult.)

Similar words: conflict, disagreement

Opposites: agreement, harmony

Common phrases: clash of interests, clash of personalities, culture clash

A loud ringing sound made when hard objects, especially metal ones, hit each other.

• There was a loud clash.
• The clash of cymbals ended the song.
• A clash of swords rang through the hall.

How to use it: a clash of something (We heard a clash of metal from the kitchen.)

Similar words: clang, crash

Common phrases: clash of swords, clash of cymbals, loud clash

If people or groups do this, they fight each other.

• Rival fans clashed outside the stadium.
• The soldiers clashed with enemy troops at dawn.
• Two groups have clashed over the disputed land.

How to use it: clash with someone (Protesters clashed with police near the station.); clash over something (The groups clashed over control of the bridge.)

Similar words: fight, battle

Common phrases: clash with someone, clash over something, clash violently, clash in something

To make a loud ringing noise when hard objects hit each other.

• The cymbals clashed loudly.
• Their swords clashed as the fight began.
• Metal dishes clashed together in the sink.

Similar words: clang, clatter

Common phrases: cymbals clash, swords clash, clash together