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
  • Last year, the Horned Frogs rode the dynamic duo of Olivia Miles and Marta Suarez to the Elite Eight and a regular season Big 12 championship and trip to the Elite Eight.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • However, as with Amal’s deep brunette hair with ribbons of face-framing light brown highlights, there’s something dynamic and exciting about her unexpected combination.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of dynamic
Adjective
  • The idea was to mash together the gentle art of gardening with a competitive sport, almost framing it as a beat-’em-up.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Pima County, in south-central Arizona, is home to one of the most competitive congressional races in the country.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of competitive
Adjective
  • Its parent company, Collectors, also owns rival grading brands Beckett and SGC, pricing-data platform Card Ladder, the PSA Vault and financial services.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Once in office, though, Peña quietly amassed a rival power base, analysts say.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of rival
Adjective
  • Common areas also include a lively lobby bar and cigar room for pours and puffs, respectively, as well as an impressive wine list with bottles sourced from all over the world.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That was the message behind a lively conversation at The Chef Assembly in Charlotte, a two-day gathering of leading chefs, restaurateurs, food writers and hospitality professionals to explore conversations shaping the restaurant industry.
    — Evan Moore November 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • However, some executives remain determined to maintain a physical presence, believing that showing up during a crisis could give them a competitive advantage.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026
  • That person was later determined to be dead, according to Nowels.
    — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 4 Nov. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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