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
  • Despite another week of next to nothing offensively early on, the Broncos dragged the Niners into a fistfight.
    — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026
  • When the race goes green on Sunday, Ryan Blaney and Carson Hocevar — protagonists in a late accident at Bristol and the fistfight that followed — will be subjects of intense scrutiny.
    — Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of fistfight
Noun
  • Deaton was well-prepared, brought the fire, and landed a number of blows that at times appeared to make Markey wince.
    — Jon Keller, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The two countries have been trading blows on energy infrastructure.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of blows
Noun
  • Snell opened the seventh by walking Andrew Vaughn and losing an 11-pitch duel to Bauers, who won the battle with a two-run homer.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The anticipated pitchers' duel between Yamamoto and Henderson didn't work out according to plan.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of duel
Noun
  • 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
  • The encampment, which included Jewish student participants, was attacked by counterprotesters in an overnight melee that spring.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 1 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
  • Last year, a Senatobia officer threatened a Black woman with a Taser, pulling her from her car and onto the ground and arresting her during a confrontation over an accessible parking space in the same Walmart lot where Kohen was shot.
    — SOPHIE BATES, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The danger is that Ethiopia’s internal fighting, its confrontation with Eritrea and regional disputes over ports and water could fuel one another.
    — KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of confrontation
Noun
  • Doing so after a postgame brawl that made national news could be even tougher.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The brawl began when the players were shaking hands, just after Grayson defeated Carol City 10-9.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 8 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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