tug-of-war
noun
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
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
In addition to the colorful spectacle, guests will find food and drinks, a vendor bazaar, dance performances, a live DJ, face-painting, free yoga classes, a tug-of-love competition (like tug-of-war, but with friendlier vibes), a photo booth and more.
—
Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Auditor Diana DiZoglio and Attorney General Andrea Campbell have been locked in a legal tug-of-war since voters approved the audit.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
From a medium to long-term perspective, analysts say gold prices reflect a tug-of-war between two forces.
—CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
That support has turned heads and become a bit of a tug-of-war in Chicago politics, with some worrying about splitting the African-American vote given both Stratton and Kelly are Black.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
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Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
Auditor Diana DiZoglio and Attorney General Andrea Campbell have been locked in a legal tug-of-war since voters approved the audit.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
From a medium to long-term perspective, analysts say gold prices reflect a tug-of-war between two forces.
—CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
That support has turned heads and become a bit of a tug-of-war in Chicago politics, with some worrying about splitting the African-American vote given both Stratton and Kelly are Black.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Cite this Entry
“Tug-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tug-of-war. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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