as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
a healthy rivalry in sports between the two schools
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rivalry
That snapped a five-game winning streak, but the U has since turned its attention to the Badgers’ run in the rivalry.
—
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Hours later as the Bears and Packers reprised their century-plus rivalry, QB Caleb Williams’ playmaking fueled a 25-point fourth quarter in Chicago’s 31-27 homefield win.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
This will be only the third postseason meeting in the history of the rivalry.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
The intensity of the heated rivalry played a factor as Providence led for 35 minutes and 40 seconds of game time, despite the Huskies making 14 of their program-record 18 3-pointers before the comeback at the end of regulation.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Jan. 2026
Hours later as the Bears and Packers reprised their century-plus rivalry, QB Caleb Williams’ playmaking fueled a 25-point fourth quarter in Chicago’s 31-27 homefield win.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
This will be only the third postseason meeting in the history of the rivalry.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
The intensity of the heated rivalry played a factor as Providence led for 35 minutes and 40 seconds of game time, despite the Huskies making 14 of their program-record 18 3-pointers before the comeback at the end of regulation.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry
Noun
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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Two years ago at the Winter X Games, Kim became the first woman to pull off a 1260-degree spin in competition.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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With a high-stakes battle for the 2026 midterms looming, the Evergreen State appears poised to join the trend of states using congressional redistricting for partisan advantage.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
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Rattler won the quarterback battle in training camp over Shough, but after going 1-7, Moore made the switch to his rookie.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Nothing but bleeps ahead of Sunday's divisional duel with the Los Angeles Rams.—
Jori Parys,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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The predictive duel for Best Picture The Globes are regarded by some as a frivolous event in which celebrities care less about the awards and more about the drinks at their tables.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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His struggles are hurting the Broncos in the biggest moments, too.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
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After all, there are signs that the economy is improving (unemployment and inflation are declining), but after the economic struggles of recent years, and with household debt still high, an additional financing source won't hurt, either.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Authorities said the display was likely the result of a conflict between criminal groups operating in the area.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Calvo said the city’s contract with consulting firm NCGA LLC raises potential conflict-of-interest concerns.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
By 1900, only a precious few Blackfeet had made it through the gantlet of smallpox, warfare, starvation, and Christianization.—
David Treuer,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
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Drone use is increasing in Africa across various sectors, including by the military for surveillance and warfare like in Sudan, but also for social services.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Frey said an incident Friday night that led to property damage at an area hotel and confrontation with police officers was an outlier to the largely peaceful events in recent days.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
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Ross argued that allowing local police to provide basic crowd control — rather than restricting coordination — could have reduced risks during recent confrontations.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Lions were eliminated from playoff contention in the 2025 season and finished with a 9-8 record.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
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The trophy that kicked off the scandal Toviggino is also no stranger to public contention as one of Argentine football’s more controversial figures.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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