fistfight

noun

Definition of fistfightnext
as in fisticuffs

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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 fistfight The series ends with Dean and Hunter – the Briar hockey new starting line – in a fistfight, paving the way for Season 2 (which has already been green-lit). — Jennifer McClellan, USA Today, 17 May 2026 Bringing a branding iron to a fistfight? — William Earl, Variety, 15 May 2026 Garcia left the Family Express, but then soon returned and a fistfight began with the man, who was arguing with Garcia’s relative. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 Verbal fistfights break out when the two disparate camps meet in hallways at AI conferences. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fistfight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fistfight
  1. slugfest
  2. confrontation
  3. blows
  4. punch-up
  5. melee
  6. duel
  7. brawl
  8. punch-out
Noun
  • The Yankees started their slugfest in style against the Rays, as Judge’s big fly traveled 429 feet to the batter’s eye at Steinbrenner Field.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover Notes: It’s been a slow, ugly slugfest among the backup tight ends to see who can win the No. 3 job.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
Definition of slugfest
Noun
  • Multiple replay challenges, a pivotal plate tag and a brief benches-clearing confrontation highlighted the drama as the Dodgers became the first team to 60 wins.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The prosecutor argued that Styles’ death was more than a confrontation.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of confrontation
Noun
  • Holloway, even a Holloway who is nearing the end of his career with a somewhat suspect chin and ability to absorb heavy blows, wins this fight more times than not.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Rolling with the punches, though, is harder when the blows keep landing on the starting rotation.
    — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of blows
Noun
  • About deluded coaches and philandering teammates and practice-field punch-ups.
    — Leander Schaerlaeckens June 8, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Among them are Neeson as a Great Gatsby-esque type who puts Declan in the hospital after a punch-up and Cleese as a priest who also doubles as the Grim Reaper.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 11 May 2026
Definition of punch-up
Noun
  • When a group of younger players wanted to leave a team dinner early to play table tennis, Son objected and injured his finger in the melee that followed.
    — Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Mtula Payton didn’t cause that melee to occur.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of melee
Noun
  • Gabriel and Haaland are key men for their countries, too; whoever shades their personal duel will have a great chance of finishing on the winning team.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • As with many Latin American and African teams, Paraguay defend deep and are extremely physical in duels and aerial battles.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026
Definition of duel
Noun
  • That brawl with the Rockies — figuratively and almost literally — finished with the Dodgers becoming the first team to win 60 games this season.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Eaton and Contreras were both issued suspensions stemming from last week’s benches-clearing brawl involving the Washington Nationals.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026
Definition of brawl
Noun
  • Most people aren’t focused on Advent calendars right now — those chocolates hidden under perforated punch-outs to celebrate each day of the season.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026
  • During the portion of Thursday’s practice open to reporters, the Patriots practiced punch-out drills directly in front of reporters.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 Dec. 2025
Definition of punch-out

Browse Nearby Words

fisted
fistfight
fistfights
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Cite this Entry

“Fistfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fistfight. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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