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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rivalry
Wall Street and Shanghai markets may have cheered the U.S.-China tariff détente, but beneath the surface optimism lies a profound strategic recalibration of the world’s most consequential technological rivalry.
—
Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
The rivalry between the two players gained widespread attention in 2023, when Reese’s Louisiana State Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA tournament championship game.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
The Liberty and Aces definitely have a long way to go in terms of the rivalry’s longevity to fully compare to the Subway Series.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
Thanks to a cadre of young stars including rookie Paige Bueckers, along with the budding rivalries around the league — notably Clark and Angel Reese — the spotlight is shining brightly on the WNBA.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Vivian Toh, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
The rivalry between the two players gained widespread attention in 2023, when Reese’s Louisiana State Tigers defeated Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA tournament championship game.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
The Liberty and Aces definitely have a long way to go in terms of the rivalry’s longevity to fully compare to the Subway Series.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
Thanks to a cadre of young stars including rookie Paige Bueckers, along with the budding rivalries around the league — notably Clark and Angel Reese — the spotlight is shining brightly on the WNBA.
—Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry
Noun
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The event is the world's biggest music competition, watched by more than 160 million people across the world.—
John Revill,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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Evenings bring the magic of Highlander’s signature programs—think talent shows, campfires, and spirited cabin competitions.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
18 May 2025
Noun
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As a 60-person battle royale, matches can be extremely long and, in tournament play, repeat over and over for hours until a winning team can be crowned.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
20 May 2025
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Vance met with the late Pope Francis on April 20, less than 24 hours before the pope died following a weeks-long battle with double pneumonia and other health issues.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
Noun
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The first challenger, selected at random, must choose one of his or her neighboring opponents to go head-to-head in an epic quiz duel in the opponent’s category.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
10 May 2025
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In each episode, the first challenger, selected at random, must choose one of his or her neighboring opponents to go head-to-head in an epic quiz duel in the opponent’s category.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
10 May 2025
Noun
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Denver won Game 3 because Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray each scored at least 20 points, which went a long way toward subduing the struggles of Jokić.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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This news comes on the same day as the King’s niece Zara Tindall has opened up about the struggles experienced by members of the British Royal Family.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
11 May 2025
Noun
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The White House has said there is no conflict and that the president is acting in the interests of the American public and not his own.—
Susan Heavey,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The final three episodes take place in 1 BBY – just before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – and show viewers the final moments leading up to the first significant conflict between the Rebellion and the Empire.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Both sides have ramped up cross-border drone warfare, often going deeper into each country's territory.—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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With missiles tracking targets from miles away, nations are pouring resources into stealth, advanced avionics, and electronic warfare—reshaping doctrines for a battlefield no longer visible to the naked eye.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
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While Ratcliffe seems to thrive in conflict, the Glazers do not like confrontation.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the gravest confrontation between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Noun
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The 34-year-old shot a 7-under 64 to put himself into contention, sitting at 5-under for the tournament and tied for fourth entering Saturday’s moving day.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
16 May 2025
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In order to be in prime contention to win the division this fall, a repeat performance might be necessary.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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