rivalrous

adjective

Definition of rivalrousnext
as in dynamic
having or marked by a strong desire to win or be better than others The two siblings shared a rivalrous but ultimately loving relationship.

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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 rivalrous Many are eagerly snapped up by buyers three to six weeks after listing in a rivalrous market. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026 In the show’s first three seasons, the relationship between the two characters is by turns rivalrous, affectionate, hostile, conspiratorial, and codependent. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 Wiles and Vonn are both teammates and competitors, but the dynamic is more uplifting than rivalrous. — Sierra Shafer, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025 If either of the then-senators were to leave for the White House, their governors would need to appoint a successor — a potentially messy scenario in states where the Republican Party is filled with rivalrous internal factions. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalrous
  1. dynamic
  2. competitive
  3. rival
  4. lively
  5. determined
Adjective
  • The curves work well, giving the stadium a dynamic feel that is sorely lacking at Derby, Leicester and their ilk.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Prices continue to grow higher on the primary side as well, and dynamic pricing and higher fees are two of concertgoers’ most frequent complaints about purchasing tickets.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of dynamic
Adjective
  • Having been signed in January, and impressed in pre-season, complications with his registration meant he was set to be blocked from featuring in competitive games until his 18th birthday in January 2027.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The beach volleyball power couple is competing in the AVP Manhattan Beach Open this weekend, continuing to focus on the competitive volleyball circuit that first brought them together.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of competitive
Adjective
  • Unlike its rival bidder, fellow US investment firm Castlelake, Apollo has at least obtained the royal consent of Haji-Ioannou, whose backing of the bid was vital to its success, said Ali Lyon in City AM.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The rapid growth comes as the company battles its longtime rival OpenAI to win over corporate customers.
    — Bailey Lipschultz, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of rival
Adjective
  • The sightlines are good and the atmosphere lively, confirming the potential of Plymouth, the biggest city in the country never to have hosted a top-flight football club.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Shipley-Welter remembers when the town was more lively, with open storefronts and a nearby grocery store.
    — Julianna Mejia August 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • At first determined to capture him, little by little Araí starts to understand, and eventually, to identify with the villain.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Abel opens the wallet Berkshire Hathaway’s CEO Greg Abel, who took over from Buffett at the start of the year, appears determined to put the record cash hoard amassed by Warren Buffett to work on buybacks and stock purchases.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of determined

Browse Nearby Words

rivalries
rivalrous
rivalry
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Cite this Entry

“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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