tug-of-war

noun

ˌtəg-ə(v)-ˈwȯr 

plural tugs-of-war

1

: a struggle for supremacy or control usually involving two antagonists

2

: a contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope with the object of pulling the middle of the rope over a mark on the ground

Synonyms of tug-of-war

• rivalry
• battle
• struggle
• competition
• duel
• warfare
• conflict
• confrontation
• war
• contention

Examples of tug-of-war in a Sentence

the effort to get their teenage son to keep his room clean is a constant tug-of-war

Recent Examples on the Web

Suddenly, the football debate world has a juicy topic, a bit of a tug-of-war between quarterback and coach, and a reminder of how nonstop the scrutiny of Williams’ play will continue to be. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

The 2026 back-to-school supplies season has turned into a tug-of-war between what children want, what families can afford and how quickly a single viral item can rewrite a shopping list. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026

Contrary to some individual’s beliefs, letting a dog win at a game of tug-of-war will not create behavior issues. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

There’s a tonal tug-of-war in this movie between naughtiness and aching sincerity. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tug-of-war

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore
• heretofore

Kids Definition

tug-of-war

noun

ˌtəg-ə(v)-ˈwȯ(ə)r

plural tugs-of-war

1

: a struggle to win

2

: a contest in which two teams pull against each other at opposite ends of a rope