RIVALRIES Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

rivalries

noun

plural of rivalry

as in battles

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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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 rivalries Two longtime rivalries will be renewed, with the Boston Red Sox taking on the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies playing the Atlanta Braves. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026 The idea is to hold recurring shows where audiences can become invested in individual wrestlers, rivalries and stories rather than encountering lucha only at an occasional cultural festival. — Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026 But over the years, Bird of the Year has also become known for its fiercely competitive campaigns, tongue-in-cheek rivalries and occasional controversy. — Adam Pourahmadi, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 College football has gone national, abandoning regional affinities and local rivalries. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 Tis the season for football and family rivalries in Ryan Fitzpatrick’s household! — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 The factors being considered include future opponent rotations, competitive balance, geographic rivalries, travel and home-game opportunities. — CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 Without the big-picture implications, regional rivalries are more personal and emit a different type of energy — both positive and negative. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 The Border War, as it was known until 2004, dates back to 1891 and features the kind of hatred and bad blood that makes college football rivalries hit differently than any other sport. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalries

Noun

As 2016 neared, Thomas’ bandmates expected to reconvene for a 20th anniversary tour, however he was focused on 2015’s The Great Unknown, largely inspired by wife Marisol’s grueling health battles.

— Leena Tailor, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
Paris — Students fought running battles with police and several schools were ablaze Friday as a new day of violence gripped France with no end in sight to protests that have rocked the country.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of battles

Noun

One consideration is opening additional stores, Cenci said, citing Miami, residential areas beyond downtown Rome, Spain, and the Middle East, if conflicts there end, as possibilities.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
The base 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of London has been used by American bombers during decades of conflicts in the Middle East, including this year’s war with Iran.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of conflicts

Noun

Blues singer Ma Rainey is making a new recording, which leads to interesting conversations with her band and shows the struggles of Black artists in an industry run by white managers and agents.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
And their struggles rushing seemed to seep into the passing game, allowing the Bruins to focus on the aerial attack.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of struggles

Noun

In defence, his lack of physicality is becoming more glaring in a Premier League that is leaning more heavily than ever into duels, second balls and set pieces.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
The noodles, the cheese, the topping, the consistency—duels have been fought over less.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of duels

Noun

Many residents, community leaders and experts say that the current approach — which favors armed confrontations between police and the groups — is inefficient and often results in indiscriminate loss of life.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
He's been getting into confrontations at city halls and at police stations.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of confrontations

Noun

Surf competitions and other special events would require separate county permits.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
In 2023, France’s highest administrative court said the country’s soccer federation could impose a ban on headscarves in competitions even though the measure can limit freedom of expression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of competitions

Noun

To the extent these independent contentions were intended to imply that NBA rules permit teams, at the request of players, to initiate off-court income opportunities for players, that implication is incorrect.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Many healthcare policy analysts disagree with these contentions about fraud, noting partisan politics have now become part of the dissemination of government reports.

— Robert Applebaum, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of contentions

Noun

The wars caused massive destruction of religious and civic buildings, mills and mines, housing, crops, herds and transport infrastructure, damaging prosperity and forcing some people to move or starve.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Clashes since Wednesday in Tigray and the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar have shattered a 4-year-old peace deal that ended one of the century's deadliest wars.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of wars

Browse Nearby Words

rivaling

rivalries

rivalrous

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Style

“Rivalries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalries. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rivalries

noun

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