Fracas: meaning, definitions and examples

A fracas is usually a noisy and chaotic fight or argument involving multiple people. It's often used in formal contexts or news reports.

• The fracas outside the stadium resulted in several arrests.
• There was a fracas in the parliament over the new policy.

A brawl refers to a rough or noisy fight, generally involving several people, often in a public setting like a bar. It has a more physical and violent connotation.

• The bar brawl left several people injured.
• A brawl broke out among the hockey players.

A scuffle is a short, confused fight or struggle at close quarters. It usually suggests a less serious or aggressive altercation compared to a brawl.

• There was a minor scuffle between fans at the concert.
• Security quickly broke up the scuffle in the mall.

An altercation is a noisy argument or disagreement, typically between two people and often in a public place. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• They had a brief altercation in the grocery store.
• The altercation between the neighbors was over boundary lines.

A melee is a chaotic, confused fight involving many people. It’s a term often used in historical or formal contexts to describe disorganized combat.

• The melee during the protest was difficult to control.
• Soldiers found themselves in a fierce melee on the battlefield.

A ruckus is a noisy disturbance or commotion, not necessarily involving physical fighting. It is less severe and often used in informal contexts.

• The children caused a ruckus in the classroom.
• There was a ruckus over the new changes in the office policies.

A noisy and chaotic fight, often involving a group of people in a public setting.

• There was a fracas outside the bar last night that required police intervention

A heated argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually in harmony or have a close relationship.

• They had a bitter quarrel about their future plans

A disagreement or argument, often more formal and regarding specific issues or terms.

• The two companies are in a legal dispute over the terms of their contract

A serious disagreement or argument, typically a prolonged one, can be used in both personal and larger-scale settings.

• The ongoing conflict between the two countries has caused widespread concern

A prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion about a particular topic, often used in the context of social, political, or scientific issues.

• The new policy has sparked controversy among both supporters and critics

A small, petty argument or disagreement, often between friends or loved ones, usually resolved quickly.

• They had a little tiff over where to go for dinner but made up quickly afterward