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Definitions

dogfight

[dawg-fahyt, dog-] / ˈdɔgˌfaɪt, ˈdɒg- /
NOUN
fight
Synonyms
STRONGEST
action altercation argument battle bout brawl clash combat conflict confrontation contest controversy disagreement dispute duel exchange feud match melee quarrel riot rivalry round scuffle skirmish struggle war wrangling
STRONG
affray broil brush contention difficulty dissension engagement fisticuffs fracas fray free-for-all fuss hostility joust row ruckus rumble scrap scrimmage set-to strife tiff to-do tussle
WEAK
battle royal sparring match
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accord agreement calm concord harmony peace quiet truce
STRONG
friendliness friendship kindness
NOUN
slugfest
Synonyms
STRONGEST
altercation brawl fisticuffs fracas free-for-all melee ruckus tussle
STRONG
argument battle bout clash conflict dispute engagement feud fray riot rumble struggle war
WEAK
battle royal donnybrook
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreement calm harmony peace

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Last weekend Osasuna winger Munoz impressed as his team won away for the first time all season, for back-to-back wins to take them away from the relegation dogfight.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

Medals of honor tend to require eyewitnesses, though Mr. Issa notes that Soviet records testify to the dogfight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

In stark contrast to the narrow loss to New Zealand last week, Scotland enjoyed a strong first half and went 21-0 up early in the second, before being dragged into a dogfight by Los Pumas.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025

The Dodgers have been in a dogfight with San Diego and Arizona for the division all summer, so Roberts hasn’t had the luxury of giving Lux a longer leash against left-handers.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2024

But using her hands as planes, Lilya was able to describe the maneuvering of their aerial dogfight blow by blow, and the German pilot had to admit that this novice fighter had defeated him.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing dogfight

World War I

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