as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
a duel for the title of captain of the team
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of duel
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 June 2026
This should be a bit of a pitcher's duel.
—David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
In Black Panther, Killmonger’s father T’Chaka was killed by T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) father for smuggling vibranium out of Wakanda, prompting him to duel T’Challa for the throne.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duel
Noun
Alamo was a big-screen terror, a narco-cowboy strip-club owner whose nightlife scenes were soundtracked by Hans Zimmer western themes that hinted at a Wild West duel to unfold there in the finale.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 June 2026
This should be a bit of a pitcher's duel.
—David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
When fans arrive at Citi Field to see new Mets ace Freddy Peralta duel NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes on Thursday, they’ll be greeted by the same familiar voice that has been greeting them every Opening Day for years.
—Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
In Black Panther, Killmonger’s father T’Chaka was killed by T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) father for smuggling vibranium out of Wakanda, prompting him to duel T’Challa for the throne.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for duel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duel
Noun
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Swiatek has owned Paris in recent years, and Alcaraz and Sinner have looked like the next two-man rivalry ready to grab the sport by the throat.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
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The intense rivalry between Dutton Ranch and 10 Petal Ranch is one aspect of the show that doesn't ring true for Jarvis.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Comedian and actor Adam Buxton will attempt to combat his mid-life crisis and existential anxiety in an Audible podcast series.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
4 June 2026
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Animal owners can most effectively help combat the spread by monitoring their pets and livestock for symptoms of an infestation.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Losing that battle could cost him more than $100 million, according to the Times.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
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It is embedded within the city’s historic Jackson Park, a decision that was met with legal battles as an environmental group sued the City of Chicago for allowing a private project to be built on public land.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Verb
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While Hulst tried to fight his way through traffic, Serna was in unfamiliar territory.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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Aspiring journalist Lily’s camera was recording when the OPEF Marines invaded and began killing both Marsies and the Peacekeepers force that was actually aligned with the Marines and fighting against the Marsies.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The record of my thinking is right there in the open, teaching me tolerance for my fumbling, training me not to hide my struggle behind a seamless façade of digital perfection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
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Last week, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office announced the jail will stop accepting most misdemeanor arrestees beginning July 1, pointing to struggles with the conditions at the jail and struggles dealing with overcrowding.—
Madeline Montgomery,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Prosecutors argue the order is needed to protect the jury pool, while defense attorneys contend the request is unsupported and unnecessary.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
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On Monday, two contending teams made blockbuster trades in efforts to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl 61.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Noun
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What’s more, golf is a sport famed for its adherence to tradition, and not all technological advances are permissible in competitions.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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And the second American director in competition, Ira Sachs, also upheld his standing.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Noun
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Shortly after the verbal confrontation, Pelley was fired after an emergency meeting Tuesday.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
7 June 2026
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Shocking video captured the moments anti-ICE agitators were arrested outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, Friday, during riotous confrontations.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duel. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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