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
Andy Mitten, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
There are several virtuosic sequences, including the plane crash and Linda’s duel to the death with the boar, that fully justify the film’s R rating and induce laughter with their audacity.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Lauren Peller, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2025
The dueling Senate votes are the latest political messaging exercise in a Congress that has operated almost entirely on partisan terms, as Republicans pushed through a massive tax and spending cuts bill this summer using budget maneuvers that eliminated the need for Democratic votes.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for duel
Noun
Carrick rates Maguire as a player and a person, just as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did, praising his ability to win duels.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
There are several virtuosic sequences, including the plane crash and Linda’s duel to the death with the boar, that fully justify the film’s R rating and induce laughter with their audacity.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Senate already rejected a clean three-year extension of the subsidies in a pair of dueling health care votes last week, though several Republican senators crossed the aisle to join all Democrats in supporting it.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2025
The dueling Senate votes are the latest political messaging exercise in a Congress that has operated almost entirely on partisan terms, as Republicans pushed through a massive tax and spending cuts bill this summer using budget maneuvers that eliminated the need for Democratic votes.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for duel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duel
Noun
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While there are teams, rivalries and even championships on the line, Lightner says the real goal goes far beyond the scoreboard.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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Next on the line is a woman who is more gracious to Kendrick, but didn’t seem to get the memo that the East Coast-West Coast rivalry ended decades ago.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a politicized national fight over waste, fraud and abuse led by Republicans have targeted California and its Democratic leadership, Bonta and other state officials have moved swiftly to combat the claims.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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Officials have vowed to combat any similar US military action against Cuba.—
Bianna Golodryga,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The star of the cache was a near-complete Iron Age battle trumpet, or carnyx — used to blare eerie sounds in battle and rally troops against the enemy.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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Alain Hamel is credited with catching the giant flatfish, which was pulled through the ice after a two-and-a-half hour battle.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Now, Mendoza tells CNN, the couple is no longer fighting to remain the United States.—
Susana Erazo,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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The Franklin Park Defenders, a community group fighting the project, pushed back at the cost that has climbed since it was first floated.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Hyland, who’d been a revelation prior to his recent struggles, regained form in the win.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Jan. 2026
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Unlearn that struggle equals success.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Now, the Wolves are arguably a district title favorite, although Midlothian Heritage and Arlington Seguin certainly have showcased an ability to contend.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Feb. 2026
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The lawsuit contends that the city’s response amounted to ratification of discriminatory conduct inside the office tasked with enforcing civil rights protections.—
Chaya Tong,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Khelif has appealed the new policy that will keep the athlete out of any competitions pending the results of genetic testing.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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During the second annual competition in October, the team from La Marmotte restaurant, also located downtown, won with a concoction of Nikka Vodka, Luxardo Espresso liqueur, Irish cream, and Count Chocula and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereals.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On these blocks, darkened by the presence of heavily armed federal agents, Minnesotans describe routine movements as calculated risks, unsure which block might erupt into confrontation.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
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No leader can survive a confrontation with the president without a unified board.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Duel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duel. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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