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
  • The union’s policy, as conveyed to The Athletic, is not to create any apparel that features a confrontation between members of the union.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Backstage, a chaotic confrontation over a briefcase between Judgment Day, Danhausen, and Joe Hendry led to Oba Femi's dominant victory over JD McDonagh.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of confrontation
Noun
  • In a little corner of my mind, however, history will always mean the tragic smashing of individual lives by its cruel hands and the scattering of bewildered people reeling from its blows.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
  • One way to look at the Washington Nationals’ kick-in-the-groin sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees — three leads in the eighth inning, three dizzying losses — is that none of the previous blows this team has taken have permanently felled it.
    — Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 13 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
  • Paredes, who had already received a yellow card in the game, was booked again for his part in the melee and was shown a red card.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
  • To his credit, Garcia didn’t react, but the incident led to another melee.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of melee
Noun
  • While Sunday afternoon’s anticipated pitching duel turned into a laugher of a loss for the Yankees, the day’s second game starved them and the Dodgers for offense despite both teams throwing a bullpen game.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
  • Calm on the ball, Rodri is a ferocious monster off it, hoovering up second balls with his sharp anticipation and brushing opponents aside in duels with his imposing physicality.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of duel
Noun
  • My first match with Taylor was as his assistant on a tempestuous game between Leicester City and Watford in 2007 that produced 11 yellow cards and a mass brawl.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Instead, some of its players turned the postgame handshakes into a brawl, with Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes drawing a red card for grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and shoving him to the turf.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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