duel
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for duel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A prearranged fight between two people, historically to settle a matter of honor.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use duel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin duellum, "a fight between two men" — later linked (probably wrongly, by folk association) to duo, "two," which is why it now means a two-person contest.
Full origin of duel →Frequently asked questions
What does “duel” mean?
The word “duel” means a prearranged fight between two people, historically to settle a matter of honor. In plain terms, a formal one-on-one fight, or by extension any close head-to-head contest.
How do you pronounce “duel”?
“Duel” is pronounced JOO-uhl (/ˈdul/ in IPA).
How do you use “duel” in a sentence?
Here is “duel” used in a sentence: “The two officers agreed to settle their dispute with a duel at dawn.”
What part of speech is “duel”?
Depending on how it is used, “duel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “duel” come from?
The word “duel” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin duellum, "a fight between two men" — later linked (probably wrongly, by folk association) to duo, "two," which is why it now means a two-person contest.
Is “duel” a common word?
“Duel” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “duel” have?
“Duel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a prearranged fight between two people, historically to settle a matter of honor.
What is the difference between a duel and a fight?
A duel is a prearranged, formal contest between two people, historically fought to settle a matter of honor under agreed rules, while a fight is a more general term for any physical confrontation, which can be spontaneous and involve any number of people.
Can duel be used outside of literal combat?
Yes, duel is often used figuratively to describe any intense contest or struggle between two competing sides, such as a 'duel of wits' or a 'duel for first place,' without any physical fighting involved.
Is duel used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, duel functions as a noun for the contest itself and as a verb meaning to fight a duel or to compete fiercely with someone, as in 'the two candidates dueled over the policy.'