TUG-OF-WAR Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

tug-of-war

noun

ˌtəg-ə(v)-ˈwȯr

Definition of tug-of-war

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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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 tug-of-war Mercury in your sign squares Mars in your 10th House, putting your voice, identity, and public responsibilities into a lively tug-of-war. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Oct. 2026 To further test the adhesive’s stickiness, the team attached ropes to the ends of two strips of the tape, stuck the strips together, and used the setup for a tug-of-war between students and faculty. — New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026 Following last week's interest rate hike, Goolsbee was putting into perspective what to expect going forward in the Fed's tug-of-war between its dual mandate of fostering price stability and maximizing employment. — Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026 The addictively queasy tug-of-war between wanting to explore the next section and wanting to just say ‘nope’ and turn the whole thing off. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug-of-war

Noun

The Chiefs-Jets all-time series is certainly not considered one of the great NFL rivalries, but the teams have a long history.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026
Like Cassavetes, Jaglom tended to be almost single-mindedly focused on interpersonal relationships — romantic ones, but also friendships and rivalries between men and between women.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of rivalry

Noun

The leader, facing a tough re-election battle, has focused much of his campaign ahead of Tuesday’s vote on security.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
By focusing on the battles fought in luxury department stores, fashion shows, high-end spas, nail salons, and the home, the film illustrated just how limited even privileged women’s options were.

— Raymond Ang, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of battle

Noun

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is going to start calling plays from the booth instead of the sideline amid his unit’s tremendous struggles.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Alternative data creates opportunities to assess people whom traditional scoring struggles to understand, but those opportunities come with responsibility.

— Artem Lalaiants, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of struggle

Noun

In the team competition, Granada Hills edged Palisades by one stroke, 416-417, to end the Dolphins’ five-year reign, which was one short of the City record set by Granada Hills from 2001-06 and equaled by the Highlanders from 2011-16.

— Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
The only worthy competition, so far, is Adults, a zanier, higher-energy show in the tradition of Broad City and Happy Endings—and one that gained some depth in this year’s great second season.

— Judy Berman, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of competition

Noun

The pair had previously engaged in a quarterback duel that lasted well into fall camp, so Florida remained confident in its backup.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Her biggest liberty is a duel between Herbert Nordrum’s Colonel Brandon and Frank Dillane’s John Willoughby, which Austen mentions but keeps offstage.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of duel

Noun

This adds another layer of automation to expeditionary mine warfare operations.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Attrition declined sharply during the later training stages, with 5% during the second phase, which emphasizes combat diving, and 3% during the third phase, which focuses on land warfare.

— James LaPorta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of warfare

Noun

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has also warned that Iran would retaliate if Washington reignited the conflict.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Its cost was recovered after just one month of conflict, according to people familiar with the matter.

— Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of conflict

Noun

Whether those negotiations can prevent another major confrontation remains unclear.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
The designation could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law and heighten the risk of military confrontation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of confrontation

Browse Nearby Words

tugging

tug-of-war

tugs

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“Tug-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tug-of-war. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of tug-of-war

noun

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