free-for-all

free–for–all

noun \ˈfrē-fə-ˌrȯl\

Definition of FREE-FOR-ALL

: a competition, dispute, or fight open to all comers and usually with no rules : brawl; also : a chaotic situation resembling a free-for-all especially in lacking rules or structure <the press conference deteriorated into a free–for–all>

— free–for–all adjective

First Known Use of FREE-FOR-ALL

1881

Related to FREE-FOR-ALL

Synonyms: affray [chiefly British], broil, donnybrook, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mêlée), rough-and-tumble, row, ruckus, ruction

Antonyms: order, orderliness

Related Words: battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, fisticuffs, handgrips, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, tussle; horseplay, roughhousing; altercation, argument, dispute, kickup, quarrel, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle

Near Antonyms: method, pattern, plan, system

see all synonyms and antonyms

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