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
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
25 June 2026
Yes, purists love pitching duels.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2026
Jordan’s top player, Mousa Al-Tamari, attempted four shots (one on goal) and won six duels in the loss to Austria.
—
Darren Sabedra,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Last season, the data from his Premier League performances places him in the 90th percentile or above (10 per cent or fewer performed better than him) for progressive carries, carries into the opposition’s final third, chances created from attacking set-pieces, aerial duels won and blocked shots.
—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
LaBonta completed 23 of 29 passes from the middle of the park, put in four tackles, made two interceptions and two ball recoveries, and won five of her eight duels with players, all while avoiding committing a single foul.
—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
Players have different areas of trivia expertise and challenge each other in head-to-head in duels.
—
Sharareh Drury,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 May 2026
Noun
However, Azula intercepts the group and duels Aang and Katara with Zuko, who nearly had a change of heart after opening up to Katara.
—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
25 June 2026
Yes, purists love pitching duels.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2026
Jordan’s top player, Mousa Al-Tamari, attempted four shots (one on goal) and won six duels in the loss to Austria.
—
Darren Sabedra,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Last season, the data from his Premier League performances places him in the 90th percentile or above (10 per cent or fewer performed better than him) for progressive carries, carries into the opposition’s final third, chances created from attacking set-pieces, aerial duels won and blocked shots.
—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
LaBonta completed 23 of 29 passes from the middle of the park, put in four tackles, made two interceptions and two ball recoveries, and won five of her eight duels with players, all while avoiding committing a single foul.
—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
Players have different areas of trivia expertise and challenge each other in head-to-head in duels.
—
Sharareh Drury,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duels
Noun
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First, the worst conference changes hadn’t struck yet, and some of the rivalries torn apart by previous realignments were even getting back together.
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As Miranda works to protect the magazine's influence, old alliances and rivalries are tested, putting Andy in the middle of another complicated chapter in her career.
Verb
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If Wagner misses time again, if Suggs battles injuries again or if the roster isn’t completely healthy in April, expectations aren’t going anywhere.
-
Starter Eric Lauer battles erratic fastball command and early damage yet completes six innings, while the Rays’ Nick Martinez matches him before a bullpen misstep to Rojas decides a tight opener.
Noun
-
Community leaders and Democratic lawmakers have railed against the practice, which has led to dramatic confrontations in the hallways outside courtrooms.
-
The demonstrations have unleashed violent confrontations between dynamite-wielding demonstrators and riot police, leading to at least 365 arrests and 37 injuries, according to authorities.
Verb
-
The East Wing’s demolition and 999-seat ballroom — now projected at $600 million — are fueling legal, ethical and security fights over who pays and what protections are truly needed.
-
Rizos Curls’ 6-in-1 Styling Cream is a lightweight multitasker that defines curls, fights frizz, provides flexible hold, and offers heat protection.
Noun
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Ski and snowboard streetstyle, which have had X Games demos that have transformed into medal events, aren’t included in the league structure, but may have standalone competitions.
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So expect rainbow flags around the stadium, art competitions in the city and street parties galore.
Verb
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LilyAna’s version is also packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for deep penetrating hydration that combats any of the infamous drying side effects associated with the ingredient.
-
Saturday’s blaze comes as the city combats a massive increase in fatal fires this year.
Noun
-
But the focus stays very much on the struggles of married life.
-
The book came out when mental illness was heavily stigmatized; Styron paved the way for authors to write about their own struggles with depression and similar disorders.
Verb
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Alpha-gal was more of a private enterprise, another rumor contends.
-
Uber contends this arrangement has created an incentive for doctors and attorneys to collude to dramatically inflate medical bills.
Cite this Entry
“Duels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duels. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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