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
  • Between that difficult dynamic, the questionable backcourt of Davion Mitchell and Klay Thompson and a host of other problems that have already been revealed, missing the Play-In together is legitimately in play.
    — Dan Woike, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • And Washington must lean into a role as military integrator, smoothing out communication and coordination at sea for navies not used to dynamic multimember missions.
    — Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of dynamic
Adjective
  • The prizes for Serielizados two competitive sections were announced Saturday night at a Serielizados awards ceremony.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The impact of higher fuel costs on demand and profits is also critical, as is the competitive landscape relative to UPS this holiday season.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz,Zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of competitive
Adjective
  • The former electronic music has roots in disco, dub reggae, hip-hop—traditions in which the DJ, in search of records fresher and wilder than those in rival crates, is a central figure, urging producers to new heights of ingenuity.
    — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Clinical results for remibrutinib in relapsing MS appear to be similar to Roche's rival BTK inhibitor fenebrutinib, but less effective at preventing relapses than anti-CD20 treatments such as Kesimpta, according to Bar-Or.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of rival
Adjective
  • Aspen has long been a hotspot for skiers searching for fresh powder and a lively après scene, but the town has been on a roll more recently with all types because of its worldly mix of cultures on display at institutions like the Aspen Art Museum.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But the lively crew at the urinals was already licking its lips in anticipation.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • The winless Heat looked determined to get its first victory of the season, playing with aggressiveness and force on Wednesday.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Hoping to sell the property while preserving his uncle’s legacy, Joe finds himself at odds with Darren (Swardson), the ambitious owner of a neighbouring go-kart track determined to bulldoze the course and expand his racing empire.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of determined

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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 1 Nov. 2026.

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