rivalry
noun
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On Rivals, Rivaling, and Rivalry
The word rival most commonly refers to a person or group that tries to defeat or be more successful than another person or group, which means that rivals tend to come in pairs. Candidates running for the same political office are political rivals, and two people trying to earn the exclusive affection of a third are romantic rivals. Teams, schools, or companies might be longtime rivals if they try over many years to outdo each other.
Rival can also mean “equal” or “peer.” When the word is used in this way it's usually conveying how good or impressive something or someone is. For example, "a country musician the rival of any in the world" is as good as the best country musicians in the world. Often a negating word is added to assert superiority, as in "a country musician without rival."
As a verb, rival typically has a meaning that relates to this latter sense of the noun. The verb is most often used to say that someone or something possesses qualities or aptitudes that approach or equal those of another. For example, for one country musician to be rivaling another, the first country musician must be as good as or nearly as good as the other musician. (Note that in U.S. English, the verb's forms are usually spelled rivaled and rivaling; in British English rivalled and rivalling are preferred.)
The noun rivalry has to do with the state or situation in which rivals (usually in the “competitor” sense) exist, or in which rivaling happens. In politics we have political rivalries, and in matters of the heart there are romantic rivalries. Sibling rivalry exists when there is competition or jealousy between sisters or brothers.
Examples of rivalry in a Sentence
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Her Wings jersey is already generating significant sales, suggesting the potential for an ongoing rivalry with Clark not just on the court but in the merchandise marketplace as well.
—Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Reflecting on their past as competing late-night talk show hosts, Leno said that the way the media portrayed their rivalry was not accurate.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article 2 min The rivalry between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers burns red hot even in the offseason.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rivalry. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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