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
Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
There seems to be a mutual respect between the two sides, who are often complimentary of one another during and after their duels.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 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
After Jordan Romano blew two save opportunities against the Yankees, right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn gave up two runs in the eighth that ended a scoreless duel.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
There seems to be a mutual respect between the two sides, who are often complimentary of one another during and after their duels.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 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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In December, Chelsea’s players looked inexplicably unprepared for the intensity of this long-time rivalry and were caught out via defensive errors.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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They also are slotted to host an ACC opponent, probably the Blue Devils, and an annual rivalry game against Florida State (on the road this year).—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Netflix has set a big $25 billion stock buyback program as the streaming giant seeks to combat, or take advantage of, a lagging share price and Wall Street concerns around disappointing financial guidance.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
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Federal prosecutors charged multiple people linked to scam compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar, part of a broader effort by the United States to combat cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes against Americans.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Avoid ego battles with parents and bosses.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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Find out for yourself with its chaotic four-on-four battles.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Viel also finished the game by fighting Podkolzin.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
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Does the fact that none of this was effective—at least in the sense that Trump hasn’t been driven from the political scene for good—suggest that Democrats should now fight dirtier?—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Plenty of Sellers’ struggles could be pinned on offensive play calling and a lack of polished talent around him.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Water Tower Place is about to get a complete $170 million makeover, a big step toward its recovery after years of financial struggle and the loss of several major tenants.—
Brian J. Rogal,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The intimate High Tea will feature a forum-style discussion with Emmy-contending female directors whose creative vision is shaping the current and future TV landscape.—
William Earl,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
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Critics contend prediction markets are circumventing states’ sports betting laws and operating in places that have banned the practice.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That’s also the trademark of Courtney (Balenciaga) Washington, a choreographer from the worlds of competition dance and vogue ballrooms.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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Experts said its demise was not about competition but more about the company’s poor financial decisions, according to a Bloomberg report.—
Samantha Gowen,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Describing this photo, documentary photographer Chantal Pinzi says that Ghita Jhaite's horse was agitated after a confrontation with other stallions that caused the rider to fall.—
Kamala Thiagarajan,
NPR,
26 Apr. 2026
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The sharp debate in Union Park is only the latest in a series of thorny confrontations about how best to manage homelessness in the Central Florida region, where housing costs are high, shelter space is scarce, and residents are concerned about people living in public spaces.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duel. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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