slugfest

noun

Definition of slugfestnext
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 slugfest When the dust settled, the A’s lost a 12-inning, 29-run and 34-hit slugfest that saw A’s hitters amass seven home runs — two apiece for Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz — but still come up short 15-14. — Sean Campbell june 9, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026 The change will need to come fast if Microsoft is going to come from behind in the biggest and costliest industrial slugfest in human history. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 2 June 2026 For those more interested in the Western Conference’s heavyweight slugfest between the defending champion Thunder and upstart Spurs, only one team has former Warriors involved. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 Miami and the Louisville Cardinals found themselves in a slugfest on Saturday to wrap up the three-game series at Mark Light Field. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for slugfest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slugfest
  1. fistfight
  2. blows
  3. duel
  4. melee
  5. punch-up
  6. punch-out
  7. confrontation
  8. brawl
Noun
  • Of course, beating the Jets is a little like winning a fistfight against a guy who’s already unconscious.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Some puzzlers describe solving the crossword as a workout; for me, today’s was a knock-down, drag-out fistfight.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of fistfight
Noun
  • There are really no blows to be given him but defensive ones.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Along the way, Chrissy comes to blows with Klara, but then learns the robot is the best thing in her daughter’s life.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of blows
Noun
  • The pair had previously engaged in a quarterback duel that lasted well into fall camp, so Florida remained confident in its backup.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Her biggest liberty is a duel between Herbert Nordrum’s Colonel Brandon and Frank Dillane’s John Willoughby, which Austen mentions but keeps offstage.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of duel
Noun
  • Mings then grabbed Greenwood by the shirt, ripping it and leading to a melee.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The fifth man had escaped during the melee; he was found dead of his injuries a half mile away.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of melee
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
  • 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
Noun
  • Whether those negotiations can prevent another major confrontation remains unclear.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The designation could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law and heighten the risk of military confrontation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of confrontation
Noun
  • Valkyria got back into the match fairly quickly and the brawl was on.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The brawl was captured on cellphone video and shared among neighbors.
    — Amy Corral, CBS News, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of brawl

Browse Nearby Words

slug (down)
slugfest
slugfests
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Cite this Entry

“Slugfest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slugfest. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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