1
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
I'm still in this ball game, so don't count me out yet
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ball game
The ol’ ball game Saldana had to stop by security after the game to pick up the bat and ball.
—
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025
To start, there are no bicycles or ball games, no mirrors larger than the palm of one’s hand, and almost no personal property.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
For Ukraine this is the whole ball game.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2025
The Cubs took the series opener over the Orioles in a 1-0 ball game with the only run coming via an Ian Happ sacrifice fly in the second inning.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ball game
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025
To start, there are no bicycles or ball games, no mirrors larger than the palm of one’s hand, and almost no personal property.
—Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
For Ukraine this is the whole ball game.
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2025
The Cubs took the series opener over the Orioles in a 1-0 ball game with the only run coming via an Ian Happ sacrifice fly in the second inning.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ball game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ball game
Noun
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Those games include matchups versus the NFC North, AFC North divisional rivalry games versus the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers as well as a late season road showdown against the Buffalo Bills.—
Kambui Bomani,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The Studio beat The Bear for the most wins for a comedy series in a single year, while The Pitt reigned supreme in its rivalry with Severance and Britt Lower pulled an upset in Lead Actress in a Drama over Kathy Bates.—
Vulture Staff,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That’s the situation more pet owners are facing these days.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers quarterback situation for their upcoming Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints may not be Purdy.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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When a person is gravely ill, they’re often forced to fight two battles, one against their sickness and the other against the insurance company.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
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Looking back at Charlotte’s recent FCS opponents, dating back to 2021, the 49ers haven’t won the turnover battle in any of the four matchups, resulting in uncomfortably close games and even a lopsided loss to William & Mary in 2022.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In August, the president announced a deal between the federal government and Nvidia, allowing the American chip producer to sell advanced semiconductors to Chinese buyers in exchange for a 15% cut of the profits.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Google Flights’ 2025 Travel Trends pinpoint the exact window for deals, pulling and tracking data from multiple airlines and travel agencies.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The combination of strange comments, a clear lack of education and experience, and a disturbing personal history with mental health struggles and domestic problems doomed his campaign.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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Appreciation means valuing the struggle of learning, not despite its difficulty but because of it.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In his final fight at bantamweight, Inoue knocked out Paul Butler to win the WBO bantamweight crown and earn undisputed champion status in the 118-pound division.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Schmitz said investments should be made that focus on prevention -- such as addressing rising obesity rates -- and early screenings, which can vary with socioeconomic status and geography.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The fourth season will be played from June 18-July 18, 2026, the preferred slot in the calendar for MLC with not much competition from other domestic leagues.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The number of local homes put up for sale soared, boosting competition among sellers.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As a recent ProPublica story revealed, the promises of the H-2A visa program can be undermined by extreme abuses the workers suffer, mostly by labor contractors.—
Max Blau,
ProPublica,
16 Sep. 2025
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The dream drive package includes private transfer to The Barn, Napa Valley Car Club's exclusive clubhouse, post-drive drinks and stories and return transfer.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ball game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball%20game. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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