# clash

/ˈkɫæʃ/ (US) · /klˈæʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clash
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a fight or argument

noun · CEFR B2

a short fight between groups or a serious argument between people with different ideas.

For teachers: a skirmish or hostile encounter between opposing groups; also a sharp conflict between differing views or interests.

- There was a violent clash between the protesters and the police outside the building.
- The policy debate was marked by a fundamental clash of ideologies regarding the role of the state in private enterprise.

### 2. a sports match

noun · CEFR B2

an important game or competition between two teams.

For teachers: a competitive encounter between two teams or individuals, often used when the stakes are high.

- Fans are excited for the big clash between the two top teams this weekend.
- The upcoming clash in the quarter-finals is expected to draw record television audiences across the continent.

### 3. a loud noise

noun · CEFR B2

a loud, sharp sound made when metal objects hit each other.

For teachers: a loud, resonant sound produced by the forceful impact of metal objects.

- The clash of the cymbals marked the end of the musical performance.
- The sudden clash of steel against steel echoed through the courtyard as the training exercise began.

### 4. to happen at the same time

verb · CEFR B2

to happen at the same time as something else, so you cannot do both.

For teachers: to coincide in time, making it impossible for a person to attend or participate in both events.

- I want to go to the party, but it clashes with my evening class.
- The conference schedule is problematic because several of the most popular workshops clash with the keynote address.

### 5. to look bad together

verb · CEFR B2

to look very bad together because the colours or styles are too different.

For teachers: to fail to harmonize or look attractive when paired, particularly regarding colours or patterns.

- That bright orange shirt really clashes with your purple trousers.
- The interior designer warned that the bold wallpaper would clash with the existing antique furniture.

### 6. gossip

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect

casual talk or gossip about other people.

For teachers: idle chatter or gossip; social talk about the affairs of others.

- She went over to her neighbour's house for a bit of clash and a cup of tea.
- The local pub was always filled with the clash of the village, where every secret eventually came to light.

Usage: Common in Scottish English as both a noun and a verb.

## Examples

- The two teams had a minor clash after the game.
- Police were called to the scene following a violent clash between rival groups of protesters in the city center.
- The interior designer warned that the vibrant orange curtains would create a harsh clash with the deep purple walls, potentially overwhelming the room's aesthetic balance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.