as in rivalries
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
a duel for the title of captain of the team
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Recent Examples of duels
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the weirdest races in their duels was the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which saw them both experience a tough run of luck completely independent from each other.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
There was no shortage of pitcher’s duels between the two lefties, but the most memorable moments of their head-to-head battles involved Bumgarner in the box and Kershaw on the mound.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
Pachycephalosaurs are often depicted using their domed heads to engage in headbutting duels.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2025
Having made the move north from Osasuna, Areso has settled in quickly at Los Leones, winning four duels, and getting forward on the front foot to lead the way down the right flank.
—Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
The home team then alternates on the last three potential duels.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the weirdest races in their duels was the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which saw them both experience a tough run of luck completely independent from each other.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
There was no shortage of pitcher’s duels between the two lefties, but the most memorable moments of their head-to-head battles involved Bumgarner in the box and Kershaw on the mound.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
Pachycephalosaurs are often depicted using their domed heads to engage in headbutting duels.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2025
Having made the move north from Osasuna, Areso has settled in quickly at Los Leones, winning four duels, and getting forward on the front foot to lead the way down the right flank.
—Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duels
Noun
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This sense of competition has caused countless promotions to create timeless matches and rivalries that have stood the test of time, whether your looking at the Territories Era, the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW, or the rivalry between NJPW and AJPW in Japan.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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What was one of the best rivalries in the 1980s and 90s has lost some of its luster more recently, with one or both of the programs being down for much of the last decade.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As Mita's mother battles an illness, she's been the primary caretaker for her, leaving her little time for self care and relaxation.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
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As Soledad battles a legal system riddled with corruption, inequality and skewed patriarchal values, Julieta’s case ignites a wave of outrage and solidarity, giving rise to a powerful movement demanding justice.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Viewers can also expect health emergencies, explosive confrontations and the fallout from a public scandal that threatens to divide the family even further.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
24 Sep. 2025
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Advertisement The finale of the 20 episode series reveals Sonia’s motivations and brings a series of manipulations and confrontations to a close.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Hartnett is in Canada filming an untitled project for Netflix, which focuses on a fisherman who fights to protect his family and community when a sea creature begins to threaten his town.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
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The long-running lawsuit from Serna’s family, first filed in 2020, is just one example of how the county needlessly fights and prolongs litigation, said civil rights lawyer Danielle Pena, who has sued the county over other jail deaths.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Palace last lost a match on April 16 — 5-0 away at Newcastle United — and since then have gone 18 unbeaten across five competitions to move level with the team from 1969.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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For example, the Rotarians support Interact, music competitions, a four-way speech competition and a holiday craft fair at Valley Elementary.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Joint Terrorism Task Force is a federal law enforcement organization that combats both domestic and international terrorism.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
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Becca Israel, director of the Nexus Project, a nonprofit that combats antisemitism and promotes democracy, said the administration's actions send conflicting messages.—
Jason DeRose,
NPR,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Both teams are looking to rebound from early-season struggles.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
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The pandemic shined a relentless light on the deep struggles in the American education system.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Other contests to watch involve potential conference contenders with Virginia and Louisville meeting for the chance to reach five wins and remain unbeaten in the ACC.—
Jordan Mendoza,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Promotions include giveaways, contests, samples, prizes, limited edition menu items, Bingo, sales and more.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Duels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duels. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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