rivalry

noun

ˈrī-vəl-rē How to pronounce rivalry (audio)
Definition of rivalrynext
as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another a healthy rivalry in sports between the two schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rivalry As professional rivalry turns into lingering chemistry, Hildy must decide whether their story deserves a second chance or is better left in the past. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Refusing to do so, Luis stirs a rivalry and potentially endangers his own employment. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026 Future partnerships are increasingly likely to reflect geopolitical rivalries rather than transcend them, raising questions about whether space will remain a place where diplomacy can succeed when politics fails. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 Efford said Georgia Tech has a countdown clock to its annual rivalry game with the Bulldogs. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry
  1. competition
  2. battle
  3. duel
  4. struggle
  5. conflict
  6. warfare
  7. confrontation
  8. contention
Noun
  • This strategic reduction highlights growing competition from open-weight models, compelling proprietary AI providers to lower costs.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Right now, all eyes are on the Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • If someone pushes back, resist turning it into a battle for dominance.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • Baela rides the small, but still battle-ready (in the show) Moondancer.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of battle
Noun
  • Physicality is an important aspect in winning such duels, but Stones’ timing is often impeccable in the crucial moments.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • In some fuzzy plotting, that negotation will hinge on a duel between the star players of both sides.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Definition of duel
Noun
  • Strickland said weather and development have been the farm’s biggest struggles.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
  • While much has been a struggle for the Jays this year, Cease’s first season in Toronto has been nothing but brilliance.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • The Iranian military fired six missiles on Jordan today, according to the Jordan Armed Forces, as the regional conflict expands.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Lario stressed that hunger and conflict often reinforce one another, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without greater stability.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of conflict
Noun
  • Academy leaders have repeatedly told Congress that rigorous scholarship, civilian faculty expertise and exposure to complex questions help prepare officers for the uncertainty of modern warfare.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • These drones could perform tasks such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy operations, or missile strikes while remaining under the supervision of the F-47 pilot.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
Definition of warfare
Noun
  • Now his sons, who were with him during the confrontation, won’t ride with him anymore.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 28 July 2026
  • Russia favors direct territorial annexation and confrontation, whereas China employs a subtle 'gray-zone' strategy, prioritizing practical control over formal annexation.
    — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of confrontation
Noun
  • Then again, if Toronto runs the table the next five days, the Blue Jays may be back in true contention and decide to add players.
    — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • To what extent Cruise maintained a relationship with his daughter became the chief source of contention in the actor’s 2013 lawsuit against In Touch magazine and its owner, Bauer Publishing, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
Definition of contention

Browse Nearby Words

rivalrous
rivalry
rivals
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on rivalry

Nglish: Translation of rivalry for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of highfalutin

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All