as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the effort to get their teenage son to keep his room clean is a constant tug-of-war
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Recent Examples of tug-of-war
This rhetorical tug-of-war unfolded while many cities across the country grappled with spiking crime rates during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
—
Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
The administration on Wednesday moved to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, continuing the president’s tug-of-war with the school.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
In the perpetual tug-of-war between California state government and the counties, the state has to set standards and provide support like data collection, and at least some funding, if the counties are to exercise the independence and creativity that is expected of them.
—Robert Greene, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025
Luigi is caught in a high-stakes game of tug-of-war between state and federal prosecutors, except the trophy is a young man's life.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Christopher S. Warshaw, The Conversation, 18 Apr. 2025
The administration on Wednesday moved to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, continuing the president’s tug-of-war with the school.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
In the perpetual tug-of-war between California state government and the counties, the state has to set standards and provide support like data collection, and at least some funding, if the counties are to exercise the independence and creativity that is expected of them.
—Robert Greene, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025
Luigi is caught in a high-stakes game of tug-of-war between state and federal prosecutors, except the trophy is a young man's life.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug-of-war
Noun
-
She is locked in a bitter rivalry with the Bears, whose growing presence and destructive ways threaten the land she is sworn to protect, by any means necessary.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
8 May 2025
-
While their rivalry has had plenty of back-and-forth, this match may be the easiest to predict.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
As soon as hot weather sets in, chickweed begins to slow its growth, often dying out by midsummer, but don’t think the battle is won.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 May 2025
-
This, after an epic indoor fireworks battle — among other shenanigans — had the place looking like a warzone in videos.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The independent federal agency has been facing financial struggles in recent years, having implemented a 10-year plan to stabilize in 2021.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Stellantis’s European operation is a weak-looking target for new Chinese competition.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Forest, who won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough, last featured in Europe’s premier competition in 1980-81.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
Konsa, in the eyes of many, was fortunate on Saturday when referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free kick in his favour following a duel with Jean-Philippe Mateta during Villa’s FA Cup semi-final defeat against Crystal Palace.—
Stuart James,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
Outside of two walks to Marcell Ozuna — who won an 11-pitch battle in the first inning, and a six-pitch duel in the fourth — the Braves mustered nothing until a two-out double by Austin Riley in the sixth.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Tug-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tug-of-war. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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