as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
a healthy rivalry in sports between the two schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rivalry
This great rivalry has just renewed and feels like seven.
—
Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy both joined the navy, aware that fine military records would support their political aspirations; the relationship between the two men, moving from mutual respect to bitter rivalry, is one of the book’s stronger story lines.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Now, a new adventure dawns for the duo when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
The Spirit and Pride’s rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most compelling matchups in the league.
—Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy both joined the navy, aware that fine military records would support their political aspirations; the relationship between the two men, moving from mutual respect to bitter rivalry, is one of the book’s stronger story lines.
—Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Now, a new adventure dawns for the duo when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
The Spirit and Pride’s rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most compelling matchups in the league.
—Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry
Noun
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Stellantis’s European operation is a weak-looking target for new Chinese competition.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Forest, who won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough, last featured in Europe’s premier competition in 1980-81.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
In short, Saturday's clash will bring to a head a battle between two families, two fighters caught in a war started by their fathers, and Eubank won't even have his by his side as they are still estranged.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Trump administration is also embroiled in a contentious legal battle regarding deportation involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Konsa, in the eyes of many, was fortunate on Saturday when referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free kick in his favour following a duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta during Villa’s FA Cup semi-final defeat against Crystal Palace.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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Outside of two walks to Marcell Ozuna — who won an 11-pitch battle in the first inning, and a six-pitch duel in the fourth — the Braves mustered nothing until a two-out double by Austin Riley in the sixth.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
The Tower is not always an omen of hardship and struggle.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
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Since then Hutchinson has maintained that the murders were committed by two home invaders and that the family was killed in a struggle.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Throughout the first fifteen months of the conflict, Israel’s behavior, specifically in refusing to allow sufficient amounts of aid into Gaza, drew international condemnation.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
2 May 2025
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Despite some conflicts over the direction the church should take, most experts don't expect the conclave to stretch beyond a few days.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Noun
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The idea is that these nodes can be quickly deployed where required by AUVs like Anduril's Dive-XL and then carry out surveillance and reconnaissance for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Apr. 2025
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The group responded with the escalation of drone and missile warfare against the U.S. and Israel.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The confrontation between Antetokounmpo and Haliburton’s dad overshadowed what was a thrilling game on Tuesday.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
30 Apr. 2025
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The confrontation occurred near North Waziristan, a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, along the volatile Afghan border.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In 2023, Dutton launched himself into contention as prime minister by successfully campaigning against the government’s referendum on the Voice proposal, which included constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians.—
Hilary Whiteman and Angus Watson,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
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The 12-year Dodger has transitioned into a journeyman to finish his career, with the Angels following a recurring trend of teams out of contention taking flyers on veterans to hope for a return of prospects at the deadline.—
Tyler Small,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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