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
Xochitl Gonzalez, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025
Al Hilal, which matched up against Real Madrid for the first time since losing to them, 5-3, in the 2023 Club World Cup Final, dueled for nearly 90 minutes to the one goal apiece stalemate before nearly seeing its efforts go to waste.
—Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Pitchers Danny Wallace and Ryan Papa combined to allow just one run on six hits in the duel with Wunsch.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for duel
Noun
Her parents had dueling ambitions for their daughter.
—Xochitl Gonzalez, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025
Al Hilal, which matched up against Real Madrid for the first time since losing to them, 5-3, in the 2023 Club World Cup Final, dueled for nearly 90 minutes to the one goal apiece stalemate before nearly seeing its efforts go to waste.
—Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
Verb
Here, Koulibaly chips the ball towards Lodi… … and Alexander-Arnold is in position to contest the aerial duel.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Pitchers Danny Wallace and Ryan Papa combined to allow just one run on six hits in the duel with Wunsch.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for duel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duel
Noun
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McIntyre believes their rivalry was proof that personal tension can enhance storytelling.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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In the final, Waters renewed her years-long rivalry against her former doubles partner and won with ease 6,1.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Verb
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Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at rolling back DEI initiatives, with one of them including directives for federal agencies to combat DEI in the private sector.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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Antioxidants can help combat free radicals, unstable molecules that damage the body’s cells and can lead to cancer.2 Small amounts of fluoride, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, and beta-carotene can be found in raw tomatoes.—
Andrea Michelson,
Verywell Health,
30 June 2025
Noun
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While the legal battle is ongoing, the judge's ruling is an early win for the states and a setback for the Trump administration.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
25 June 2025
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That same month, Adams withdrew his candidacy for the Democratic primary, saying the legal battle had prevented him from effectively campaigning.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
25 June 2025
Verb
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The city argued the policy was confidential, and would interfere with the department’s ability to fight crime.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 June 2025
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The fire has been fought by 16 engines, seven water tenders, three dozers and three hand crews.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda's struggles continue as he gets eliminated once again during Q1 at the Austrian Grand Prix.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 June 2025
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The struggle was so real that Reynolds unveiled a special musical production for McElhenney's birthday devoted to teaching fans the pronunciation of his costar's last name, enlisting the help of some of his famous friends as well as members of the club's hometown.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
28 June 2025
Verb
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Hill contends the Bills are afraid to cover him man-to-man.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
23 June 2025
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As strangers moments prior, the men had both been nervous that each another might be contending for the same lots, and one of them scooted to a seat farther away to ease the tension.—
Emma Bowman,
NPR,
23 June 2025
Noun
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This sort of multidisciplinary excellence is rare for Olympic competition; athletes are by necessity ultra specialized.—
Michelle Bruton,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Crystal Palace’s eligibility for that international competition had been complicated by the fact that Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings Group also has a majority stake in the French club Lyon.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Video of the meeting showed the confrontation began during a confusing moment in the session.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2025
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Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesman for Law Department, said Pearson remains entitled to representation despite the DOI findings on the migrant shelter confrontation.—
Graham Rayman,
New York Daily News,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Duel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duel. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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