collision course

NOUN

path leading to conflict

Synonyms

WEAK

clash conflict encounter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the 1980s, Niall's path is set on a lifelong collision course with Ruben, his "brother from another lover", brought to life in his younger years by Stuart Campbell.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Analysts fear that tension between Ottawa and Washington on trade are putting the two countries on a collision course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

And that set the biggest car market in the nation on a collision course, with Detroit, and with Washington, D.C.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"He could, and should, have acted differently" when his ship was on "an obvious collision course" with the tanker, Little told the trial.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

LeMay’s view of the Cold War was driven by the assumption that the Soviet Union and the United States were on a collision course.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin