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
  • Elsewhere, investors are absorbing the blows from a selloff in artificial intelligence stocks on Thursday, which saw the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Russell 2000 all log their worst one-day loss since April 2025, according to FactSet data.
    — Sarah Min,Sawdah Bhaimiya,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Since the breakdown of a truce in July, Saudi Arabia has traded blows with the Houthis, who have retaliated with strikes on Saudi airports, energy infrastructure and military sites that killed at least 20 people in October.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 6 Nov. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slugfest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slugfest. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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