running battle
noun
: a fight or disagreement that continues for a long time
He has been engaged in a running battle with the government over the amount of money he owes in taxes.
Examples of running battle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Trump administration’s running battle with the federal courts reached a critical juncture this week, heightening a constitutional dispute that has defined its first three months in power.
—
Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025
In the Caucasus, for example, Russia had long sided with Armenia in its running battle with Azerbaijan over boundaries and population after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
—Ronald H. Linden, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
Haaland seems to be at the centre of it all, his running battle with old foe Gabriel (which also featured him pointing to the gold Premier League badge on his shirtsleeve, denoting City’s status as champions) being a significant feature of the game.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
The new teaser above sees Sanon’s character, Mukti, walking through a running battle in a city holding a can of petrol.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, however, there’s a running battle between water officials and farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin and along the river in California over diversions for irrigation that remains unresolved.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
Christian Pulisic, who was repeatedly fouled during the match, waged a running battle with the Peruvian official all night, then appeared to motion for Ortega to join the Uruguayan victory celebration after the final whistle.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024
Proponents and opponents of global warming have a running battle.
—Michael C. Bolton, al, 28 July 2023
Biden seized on that running battle during the dinner.
—Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 1 May 2023
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.
Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2025
In the Caucasus, for example, Russia had long sided with Armenia in its running battle with Azerbaijan over boundaries and population after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
—Ronald H. Linden, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025
Haaland seems to be at the centre of it all, his running battle with old foe Gabriel (which also featured him pointing to the gold Premier League badge on his shirtsleeve, denoting City’s status as champions) being a significant feature of the game.
—Nick Miller, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
The new teaser above sees Sanon’s character, Mukti, walking through a running battle in a city holding a can of petrol.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
Meanwhile, however, there’s a running battle between water officials and farmers and ranchers in the Klamath Basin and along the river in California over diversions for irrigation that remains unresolved.
—Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
Christian Pulisic, who was repeatedly fouled during the match, waged a running battle with the Peruvian official all night, then appeared to motion for Ortega to join the Uruguayan victory celebration after the final whistle.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024
Proponents and opponents of global warming have a running battle.
—Michael C. Bolton, al, 28 July 2023
Biden seized on that running battle during the dinner.
—Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 1 May 2023
Cite this Entry
“Running battle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20battle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share