DUEL Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

duel 1 of 2

noun

ˈdü-əl

Definition of duel

as in rivalry

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another a duel for the title of captain of the team

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

duel

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of duel

Noun

Solid performances from the supporting cast include Lucas Prizant as Hamlet’s loyal friend, Horatio, and Brenna DiStasio as Laertes, his opponent in the finale’s fateful duel. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 Jesús Luzardo allowed two hits in seven innings and struck out 11, Justin Crawford's base hit in the eighth inning drove in the game's only run and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Cincinnati Reds 1-0 in a pitcher's duel on Thursday night. — ABC News, 9 July 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

The rivalry has seemingly extended beyond Brazil vs Argentina to Ronaldo vs Messi, too.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 19 July 2026
But even ragged with a slippery ball, the Springboks still blanked Wales in successive matches for the first time since the first two matches in this rivalry, in 1906 and 1912.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of rivalry

Verb

Dancing in a group also offers significant psychological benefits, fostering socialization and combatting isolation and stress.

— Francesca Martinengo, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
The Salgado Araujo family’s lawyer said that the substance was salt, which outdoor workers mix with lemon and water to combat the Texas heat.

— Albinson Linares, NBC news, 17 July 2026

Definition of combat

Noun

The war’s new weapon What began as a ground war has evolved into a battle increasingly fought from the air.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
The battle harks back to the January 2025 Eaton fire which spread toxic ash over swaths of Altadena and Pasadena.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of battle

Verb

The suit also contends that the defendants directed workers to use the elevator despite the hazards and failed to follow OSHA safety standards.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
The full-length could contend for both Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, two prizes the singer-songwriter has claimed before.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of contend

Noun

Any restrictions on player registration would not apply to the Premier League, but UEFA does have the power to limit whom Newcastle can name in a ‘List A’ squad for European competitions.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Griffin and Mahony first heard about the Canberra competition just after their wedding.

— Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of competition

Verb

But there’s a difference between narrating crime scenes at a remove and wrestling with the lingering morality of it all.

— Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
The 23-year-old Vancouver native leans into analog indie rock, using story songs and confessional lyrics to wrestle with relationships, future anxieties and the challenges of growing up in the public eye.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of wrestle

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due

duel

dueled

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“Duel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duel. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of duel

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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