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
  • 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
  • Now his sons, who were with him during the confrontation, won’t ride with him anymore.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 July 2026
  • Russia favors direct territorial annexation and confrontation, whereas China employs a subtle 'gray-zone' strategy, prioritizing practical control over formal annexation.
    — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of confrontation
Noun
  • After the dustups, the offense went from taking blows from the defense to delivering some of its own.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • During the less than a minute-long elevator ride, the duo trading blows, according to the video.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 31 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
  • Physicality is an important aspect in winning such duels, but Stones’ timing is often impeccable in the crucial moments.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • In some fuzzy plotting, that negotation will hinge on a duel between the star players of both sides.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Definition of duel
Noun
  • Republicans are relishing the long Democratic brawl, while Democrats feel confident about holding on to Michigan.
    — Maham Javaid, NPR, 27 July 2026
  • One of the first incidents that year was a brawl involving about 50 juveniles, police at the time said, with a gunshot heard later that night, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 26 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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