FISTFIGHT Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

fistfight

noun

Definition of fistfight

as in fisticuffs

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

truce

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 Dilliehunt and Bland were shot and killed during a fistfight on the 1600 block of 83rd Avenue in Oakland, which the surviving victims claim started with an argument over a parking spot. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 In Milan, Italy, a fistfight erupted. — ABC News, 18 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fistfight

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fistfight

Noun

Sweden loses key piece The first half was a sloppy slugfest as both teams tried to use their physicality to assume control.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
The Republican race for governor between Rick Jackson and Burt Jones has been nothing short of a slugfest.

— Shannon McCaffrey, AJC.com, 10 June 2026

Definition of slugfest

Noun

The final confrontation unfolded in darkness early Monday, when deputies exchanged gunfire with Spencer for more than two hours before he was killed, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
The confrontation began Friday after a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a mosque, and gunmen stormed the facility, killing 21 people and wounding 103 others.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of confrontation

Noun

Like his wife, Andrew was also attacked with a hatchet, receiving as many as 11 blows to his face, leaving him nearly unrecognizable, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

— Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Abby was struck 19 times by a hatchet-like object, with several blows crushing through her skull.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 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

Swirling around them was a melee of cameras, celebrations and commiserations.

— Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Infantry has been around since officers figured out how to get soldiers organized instead of fighting in melees like football hooligans on a Saturday night after 12 pints of lager.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of melee

Noun

The fans in Auburn, Alabama, came out, leaning from ramps and peeking from tents to catch a glimpse of their new administrations, each in their first SEC duel of the year.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
Mahomes and Travis Kelce this season are set to appear in at least 10 national windows, including the inevitable duel with Allen and the Bills on Thanksgiving night.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of duel

Noun

Independent Russian media regularly report about returning veterans involved in assaults, drunken brawls and even killings.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
At game’s end, Missouri players attempted to plant the state flag on the Jayhawk logo at midfield and nearly ignited a brawl.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fistfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fistfight. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of fistfight

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nemesis

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes