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
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Recent Examples of rivalrous
This Trump Doctrine emphasizes using American power aggressively — more aggressively than Trump’s immediate predecessors — to reshape key relationships and accrue U.S. advantage in a rivalrous world.
—
Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
The sisters were long involved in a rivalrous feud.
—Lydia Price, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
In Trump’s first term, that insight helped the United States begin a messy adjustment to the realities of a rivalrous age.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Ricardo divided society into three rivalrous classes—landlords, capitalists, and workers—and showed how the landlords were able to take the lion’s share of the economic surplus by virtue of owning, and charging rent on, a scarce and valuable resource: land.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025
The sisters were long involved in a rivalrous feud.
—Lydia Price, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025
In Trump’s first term, that insight helped the United States begin a messy adjustment to the realities of a rivalrous age.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Ricardo divided society into three rivalrous classes—landlords, capitalists, and workers—and showed how the landlords were able to take the lion’s share of the economic surplus by virtue of owning, and charging rent on, a scarce and valuable resource: land.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalrous
Adjective
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The mix of old and new aims to blend nostalgia with Miami’s new culinary identity, which has become far more dynamic since China Grill first opened on South Beach, Chodorow said.—
Connie Ogle
June 11,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
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But this sedan is geared for comfort and never feels confident in spirited, dynamic situations.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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This competitive gap is costing American growers and American food consumers.—
Paul Meador,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2026
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This could be a promotion or a new job offer from a competitive firm.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
Adjective
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Last season, rival Iowa and first-year head coach Ben McCollum punched its ticket to the NCAA tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
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Montagliani also spoke in Vancouver, and his speech sounded like the start of a rival campaign.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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The Fairmont draws a diverse crowd—from business travelers to couples celebrating anniversaries, to casual visitors—creating a lively but laid-back atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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The blueberry layer brings deep sweetness and vibrant color, while Meyer lemon adds a floral brightness that keeps the parfaits tasting fresh and lively.—
Laura Mclively,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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But is this really a viable check on a determined president willing to fire and replace anyone standing in his or her way?—
Steven Andreasen,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
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Despite these obstacles, single women are determined to achieve their goal of homeownership and continue to be a driving force in the market.—
Kathy Collins,
Fortune,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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