
Skirmish
Small Scale
A skirmish is smaller than a battle or war, often involving few participants.

The two gangs had a skirmish in the back alley.
Short Duration
Skirmishes are quick and resolve faster than prolonged fights.

During the demonstration, a brief skirmish broke out.
Not Intense
The word often implies that the fight was not intense or decisive.

The soldiers engaged in a minor skirmish before retreating.
Compare with
AltercationBattleBrawlClashConfrontationEncounterFightMeleeScuffle
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension