RIVALRY Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

rivalry

noun

ˈrī-vəl-rē

Definition of rivalry

as in competition

an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another a healthy rivalry in sports between the two schools

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of rivalry Baylor’s defense is also formidable, ranking 12th in scoring defense, but in these rivalry games stats and records can often be thrown out of the window. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 Daniil Medvedev is back in the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals after getting the better of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the latest chapter of their combustible longtime rivalry. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 The Rams sprinted off the field to their locker room, celebrating the rivalry win. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 13 Oct. 2026 There’s only one way the first chapter of the rivalry between the teams will end – WarGames. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rivalry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry

Noun

The five-episode doc follows Five Guys’ global competition of crew members from local qualifying rounds to the ultimate championship.

— Mya Copeland, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Economist Thomas Philippon calculates that weakened competition costs the typical household about $300 a month.

— Christopher Marquis, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

In yet another battle between the states and social media platforms, Florida asked a state judge to order changes on Instagram and Facebook in an effort to protect young users.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
At the same time, Hollister was also engaged in a lengthy courtroom battle with Perry and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles over the rights to another property, a Los Feliz convent the singer hoped to turn into a private home.

— Mickey Rapkin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

The Brewers defended home turf in Game 1 of the NLCS, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 2–1 in a tight pitching duel.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
And in the second half, the game turned into a duel between standout QBs each making his sixth college start.

— PJ Green September 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of duel

Noun

Hernández said the group wanted to use the platform to bring further awareness to the struggles immigrants continue to face in this country with an audience that notably skews more American than Los Tigres is accustomed to.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Hollywood executives at a panel featuring UTA, Gold House, Lionsgate and HYBE saw an opening for Asian talent and stories rooted in specific cultures, while conceding that getting projects funded is still a struggle.

— Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of struggle

Noun

Soon afterward, the antagonism between Nusra and ISIS spiralled into open conflict.

— Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
To further lessen the risk of future conflict, Washington should also work with its partners to reduce the world’s vulnerability to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

— Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of conflict

Noun

Needless to say, the system has to be robust enough to handle battlefield conditions, including electronic warfare and communications blackouts.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
Electronic warfare can create additional challenges for systems that depend on wireless links.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of warfare

Noun

The cause of their displeasure has to do with scenes woven throughout that illustrate how Baldwin got his reputation for angry outbursts – confrontations with paparazzi through the years, for instance.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Rodan-Benzaquen argued that intensifying political confrontation could help Mélenchon consolidate his support among younger voters and immigrant communities, while portraying the far right as an increasingly serious threat.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of confrontation

Noun

But the bold irreverence that drew droves of devoted readers to Jezebel brought contention, too.

— Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The fourth team in World Series contention, the Tampa Bay Rays, stands just above the Guardians in payroll at 25th, with about $98 million on the books.

— Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of contention

Browse Nearby Words

rivalrous

rivalry

rivals

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“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rivalry

noun

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