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
Mike Kaye
updated May 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Jackson also was wounded in the duel, struck in the chest near his heart, an injury that plagued him the rest of his days.
—USA Today, 13 May 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
Aaron Hall and/or Parker Peterson might be able to out-duel LaBryan Ray and/or Jared Harrison-Hunte in a training camp battle.
—Mike Kaye
updated May 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Jackson also was wounded in the duel, struck in the chest near his heart, an injury that plagued him the rest of his days.
—USA Today, 13 May 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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Militant leaders have usually died as a result of internecine rivalry among competing groups or factions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
-
That’s the foundation of an all-time rivalry.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Tea tree and eucalyptus oil have both proven to be very effective at combating fungal infections.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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China has looked to redefine its global brand in an effort to boost tourism and combat negative narratives.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Decades-long legal battle The Supreme Court decision to overturn Glossip’s conviction and death sentence last year marked a major turning point in his decades-long legal battle.—
Linh Tran,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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But the frenzied redistricting battle of the past few months — including a congressional map in his home state thrown out by a court after people voted to approve it, and certain elections postponed in Louisiana and Alabama after mail ballots already went out — has done it.—
Miles Parks,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The Steelers will likely win around 10 games and once again be fighting into the final weeks of the season for a playoff berth.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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The Warsh view A concern with Miran's approach is that, if the Fed keeps looking through supply shocks, markets and the public will doubt its inflation-fighting credibility.—
Matt Peterson,Steve Liesman,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Noun
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With another o-for in the books, the impending free agent declined to talk about his struggles following Monday’s game.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2026
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In the aftermath, Mad's sister, Annabel, becomes a recluse, and Mad struggles to keep the family's bar afloat as the sisters become the center of damaging gossip.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Verb
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With his plans to cap his college partners at 30, Davis contends that those that spurned Avo’s advances will eventually come to regret it.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
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Republican officials contend the new districts can be suspended only after Hoskins determines the petition meets constitutional requirements and has enough valid signatures.—
David A. Lieb,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
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The Browns are expected to hold a quarterback competition in training camp among Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, with rookie Taylen Green selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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Critics portray the movement as politically motivated, but many athletes and parents involved insist their concerns center on competition rather than ideology.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
As the confrontation escalated, the man can be seen in the video taking his glasses off and becoming physically aggressive toward two of the crew members.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
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Some candidate narratives also push back on the article’s suggestion that voters have little appetite for ideological confrontation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duel. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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