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

Former OpenAI employees founded Anthropic in 2021 on the premise that AI development should prioritize safety -- a philosophy that now puts it on a collision course with the Pentagon and the White House.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

We were all heading for each other on a collision course, no matter what.

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson