Synonyms for

Shootout

Verb / ˈʃu:taʊt / Another word for shootout — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a gunfight, especially a formal one, in which each side takes up a position and remains there until the other side is defeated or surrenders

Synonyms & similar words

gunfight gunplay gunfight firefight duel battle skirmish clash combat confrontation struggle fight engagement conflict melee showdown standoff warfare hostility altercation

Synonyms by register

Formal

confrontation engagement clash conflict

Informal

gunfight firefight brawl dust-up

Literary

duel skirmish

Antonyms

truce peace agreement negotiation surrender capitulation

Common collocations

  • wild west shootout
  • quick draw shootout
  • shootout at the
  • shootout in the
  • shootout between
  • shootout with

Word family

noun shootout
verb shoot

Usage note

Primarily used to describe a violent confrontation involving firearms, often in a Western or crime context. Can also be used metaphorically for a decisive contest.

Example sentences

  1. The police officers were involved in a shootout with the bank robbers.
  2. The cowboy had a shootout with the bandits in the Wild West.
  3. The shootout ended with the criminals being captured by the authorities.

Quotes

  • If I'm in a shootout, I want to be with the good guys.
  • A shootout is like a game of chess.
  • In a shootout, you never know who's going to come out alive.

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