DUELS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

duels 1 of 2

noun

plural of duel

as in rivalries

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another a duel for the title of captain of the team

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

duels

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of duel

as in battles

Related Words

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 duels

Noun

In defence, his lack of physicality is becoming more glaring in a Premier League that is leaning more heavily than ever into duels, second balls and set pieces. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 The noodles, the cheese, the topping, the consistency—duels have been fought over less. — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026 Patrick Smith / Getty Images The Shelton-Alcaraz epic now stands as the latest finish in the history of the New York tournament, which is increasingly known for its overnight duels. — Max Burman, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026 Cherry went 74 minutes in Sunday’s loss to Racing Louisville, recording four defensive clearances and winning three of her four aerial duels as Angel City lost for the first time in four games. — Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for duels

Noun

As the diffusion of power fuels geopolitical rivalries, Americans are growing weary of entanglement in a fragmenting world.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
Through schoolyard rivalries, neighborhood hustles, and family setbacks, Kev turns every disaster into a story.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of rivalries

Noun

According to the report, counties have responded with additional security and training on defusing confrontations, along with coordination with local law enforcement.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Watson told The Charlotte Observer the incident was the latest in a series of confrontations that raised concerns about the role of law enforcement at school board meetings.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of confrontations

Verb

Thomas superspeeds Katerina to safety and Vision fights Butcherbird, but Butcherbird is faster and stronger.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Water shortages do not often get attention from state lawmakers, and fights over resources can pit rural landowners against cities.

— Lexi Salazar, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of fights

Noun

Victory extended Villa’s outstanding recent run to six wins from seven games in all competitions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Factor in other domestic competitions, and Belenenses has seven trophies in total, which is tied for the fifth-most in the nation.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of competitions

Verb

FinCEN is the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which combats money laundering, illicit financial activities and terrorist financing networks around the world.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
How Wisconsin combats loneliness Sampson said re-establishing connection to other people can often be a trial-and-error process.

— Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of combats

Noun

Adebayo inched closer to becoming the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder, but his early-season struggles continue.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
In the lead-up to Sunday night’s game, the Chiefs maintained their confidence in Butker, with special teams coordinator Dave Toub suggesting the kicker would work through his struggles.

— Pete Sweeney October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggles

Browse Nearby Words

dueling

duels

duende

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Duels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duels. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of duels

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes