DUELS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

duels 1 of 2

noun

plural of duel

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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duels

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of duel

as in battles

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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 duels

Noun

In defence, his lack of physicality is becoming more glaring in a Premier League that is leaning more heavily than ever into duels, second balls and set pieces. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 The noodles, the cheese, the topping, the consistency—duels have been fought over less. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026 Patrick Smith / Getty Images The Shelton-Alcaraz epic now stands as the latest finish in the history of the New York tournament, which is increasingly known for its overnight duels. — Max Burman, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026 Cherry went 74 minutes in Sunday’s loss to Racing Louisville, recording four defensive clearances and winning three of her four aerial duels as Angel City lost for the first time in four games. — Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for duels

Noun

To reestablish and preserve traditional rivalries and eliminate cross-country travel demands, restore conference alignments to their original geographical moorings.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
But the Tigers have the clear advantage on paper, even as rivalries can bring out unorthodox circumstances.

— PJ Green October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of rivalries

Noun

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority says its Evasion and Graffiti Lawlessness Eradication (EAGLE) Teams aren't going away despite two recent confrontations between fare inspectors and bus riders that turned physical.

— Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
As the meal goes on and Rob seems to become increasingly inebriated, the night descends into nonsensical confrontations between Rob and the bartender, Rob and producers, Rob and his brother, and, finally, Rob and Michaella.

— Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of confrontations

Verb

In the most expensive ballot measure fights in California history, $463 million was spent on two gambling proposals 2022.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Continue reading … -- POLITICS SENATE ON THE LINE — Jackson surges among early ballots as Susan Collins fights to hold her base.

— , FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fights

Noun

Victory extended Villa’s outstanding recent run to six wins from seven games in all competitions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Factor in other domestic competitions, and Belenenses has seven trophies in total, which is tied for the fifth-most in the nation.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of competitions

Verb

FinCEN is the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which combats money laundering, illicit financial activities and terrorist financing networks around the world.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
How Wisconsin combats loneliness Sampson said re-establishing connection to other people can often be a trial-and-error process.

— Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of combats

Noun

Adebayo inched closer to becoming the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder, but his early-season struggles continue.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
In the lead-up to Sunday night’s game, the Chiefs maintained their confidence in Butker, with special teams coordinator Dave Toub suggesting the kicker would work through his struggles.

— Pete Sweeney October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggles

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duels

duende

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“Duels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duels. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of duels

noun

verb

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