run-ins

plural of run-in
as in encounters
a brief clash between enemies or rivals the rival gangs had a bit of a run-in last night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of run-ins Then boosted by many, many more clips, the doc shows Baldwin’s contentious relationship with the paparazzi, the legitimate press and then his various other run-ins with the law. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026 While Francisco is the CEO of the family company, Rafael is mostly a follower and has already had several run-ins with the law. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026 Separately, Peters has faced several run-ins with law enforcement over the last year. — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 Kiritsis, who was known to have a quick temper, had several run-ins with the law. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Sep. 2026 Lane was granted immunity from prosecution for his testimony against Adams, though Wright Stevens grappled with growing evidence that suggested Lane had prior run-ins with the Ipalook sisters and was at their home the night of the murders. — Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 The odds of run-ins between rattlesnakes and humans — as well as other animals — increased this year due to warmer temperatures, which encouraged outdoor activity for both serpents and humans. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers have been busy recently with a series of run-ins with bears finding their way into cars, homes and apartment complexes. — Mike Snider, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026 In response to those run-ins, some lawmakers have proposed establishing a regulated bear hunting season in parts of Connecticut, particularly the northwest corner. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for run-ins
encounters
Noun
  • Koltai asks visitors to communicate their expectations and boundaries, but acknowledges that people can feel violated and that staff aren’t always present or equipped to monitor encounters.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The 2011 film is told through three outlaws’ expeditions and encounters through 1870s Texas.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Run-ins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/run-ins. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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