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.
Synonyms
Examples of rivalry in a Sentence
Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023
Benjamin plays Eric, a ceramicist, whose chill, fastidious vibe is balm-like amid the film’s petty rivalries and under-the-surface tensions.
—Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2023
The region’s traditional rivalries persisted and historical grievances remained unresolved, but as Asian countries prioritized economic development over military spending, the risk of conflict seemed low.
—John Lee, Foreign Affairs, 21 Nov. 2023
Parsons’s podcasts have included thoughts on the Cowboys’ opponents, intensifying rivalries.
—Emmanuel Morgan, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023
After more than a month of clinging to hopes of a Pac-12 title, the Trojans no longer have any stakes to play for, outside of the usual bragging rights of the crosstown rivalry.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 15 Nov. 2023
The resulting bust was, in fact, the real reason that Mirai had definitively won that rivalry.
—Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 14 Nov. 2023
That motive still exists in the U.S.-China rivalry, but now both countries are working toward building an enduring presence on the moon and in cislunar space, the real estate between the moon and Earth.
—Christian Davenport, Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2023
Drive to Survive features the heated rivalries among drivers, and doesn’t shy away from the dangerous crashes that make auto racing a lightning rod for controversy.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Nov. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rivalry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1598, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing rivalry
Dictionary Entries Near rivalry
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rivalry. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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rivalry
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rivalry
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More from Merriam-Webster on rivalry
Nglish: Translation of rivalry for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of rivalry for Arabic Speakers
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