slugfest

noun

slug·​fest ˈsləg-ˌfest 

: a fight marked by the exchange of heavy blows

also : a heated dispute

a vocal slugfest

Examples of slugfest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The game itself was a sloppy slugfest, with both teams combining for 31 turnovers (Magic Johnson coughed it up no fewer than seven times, with two of those fumbles occurring in the final minute) and the Celtics shooting 39.5% from the field. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 July 2025

In our interview, Sheeraz called him an underrated boxer, which is rare praise from a rising British star, and one that suggests this won’t just be a slugfest. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

The Knicks’ second-round slugfest with the Boston Celtics features an individual battle between two of the NBA’s best. —Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025

Now, militaries are relearning the lessons of both world wars: major conflicts can still turn into slugfests, and industrial capacity is decisive. —Michael Brown, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for slugfest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed