as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the playful competition over who would get the new office turned into a real dogfight
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dogfight
Hayabusa was good in a dogfight Its factories produced thousands of military aircraft, engines and components for both the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy.
—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
The aim is to produce crews capable of handling complex multi-domain battlespaces rather than isolated dogfights.
—
David Szondy
may 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
Using the latest version of Epic’s Unreal Engine, each Smugglers Run locale is heavily detailed, putting us in more of a dogfight as the Mandalorian chases down pirates and ex-Imperial officers.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2026
But with their backs against the wall, the Bobcats (37-7-1) fought back and made the series a dogfight.
—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dogfight
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
The aim is to produce crews capable of handling complex multi-domain battlespaces rather than isolated dogfights.
—
David Szondy
may 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
Using the latest version of Epic’s Unreal Engine, each Smugglers Run locale is heavily detailed, putting us in more of a dogfight as the Mandalorian chases down pirates and ex-Imperial officers.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2026
But with their backs against the wall, the Bobcats (37-7-1) fought back and made the series a dogfight.
—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dogfight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogfight
Noun
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The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
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Spain and Portugal renew their historic rivalry, with Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo in contrasting lights.
Noun
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True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.
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There have been naval battles and beheadings and aerial battles and, well, more beheadings.
Noun
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Gabriel and Haaland are key men for their countries, too; whoever shades their personal duel will have a great chance of finishing on the winning team.
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As with many Latin American and African teams, Paraguay defend deep and are extremely physical in duels and aerial battles.
Noun
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.
Noun
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Clifford was impressed with Acuff’s ability to play through his early struggles.
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Older students and professionals face an existential struggle to find a job, according to Yahya Alhamarna, a 24-year-old author displaced in Gaza City.
Noun
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China has showcased what may be one of its most innovative unmanned warfare concepts yet, according to reports.
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The attack comes amid an escalating pattern of long-range warfare between the two countries.
Noun
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Alnaji was part of a pro-Palestinian group protesting over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and Kessler was demonstrating in support of Israel, authorities have said.
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The war period saw its own moments of threats to rights, such as suspending habeas corpus, the legal mechanism to prevent arbitrary detention.
Noun
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Multiple replay challenges, a pivotal plate tag and a brief benches-clearing confrontation highlighted the drama as the Dodgers became the first team to 60 wins.
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The prosecutor argued that Styles’ death was more than a confrontation.
Cite this Entry
“Dogfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogfight. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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