a sustained fight between large organized armed forces, a difficult or hard-fought competition or struggle

battle it out, lose the battle but win the war, half the battle

battle of wits, uphill battle, battle cry

Formal and Informal Expressions of battles

In different contexts, you can replace 'battles' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'conflict, combat' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'fight, struggle' is a commonplace synonym.

battles: Explore its Definition & Usage

battles Definition

1a sustained fight between large organized armed forces
2a difficult or hard-fought competition or struggle

Using battles: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "battles" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The battle lasted for three days.
Example
The team faced a tough battle against their rivals.
Example
She is battling cancer.
Example
The two politicians are battling for the top position.

battles Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for battles

Antonyms for battles

Idioms Using battles

battle it out
to fight or compete until a winner emerges
Example
The two teams will have to battle it out for the championship title.
lose the battle but win the war
to suffer a defeat in a particular battle or contest, but ultimately emerge victorious in the larger conflict
Example
Although we lost the battle for the contract, we won the war by securing a better deal with another company.
half the battle
the most difficult part of achieving something
Example
Getting started is often half the battle when it comes to completing a project.

Phrases with battles

battle of wits
a contest in which success depends on mental rather than physical abilities
Example
The debate turned into a battle of wits between the two candidates.
uphill battle
a difficult task that requires a lot of effort and determination to accomplish
Example
Getting the bill passed through the Senate will be an uphill battle.
battle cry
a slogan or phrase shouted by soldiers in battle, especially as a signal for a charge
Example
The team's battle cry before every game is 'All for one, and one for all!'

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Summary: battles in Brief

The term 'battles' [ˈbætlz] refers to sustained fights between large organized armed forces or difficult competitions or struggles. It can describe actual warfare or metaphorical battles, such as 'She is battling cancer.' 'Battles' extends into phrases like 'battle of wits,' and idioms like 'battle it out,' denoting competition and perseverance.