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

tug-of-war

noun

ˌtəg-ə(v)-ˈwȯr

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

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Recent Examples of tug-of-war Patients are in a tug-of-war with a technology that could better their health, or compromise it. —

Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 10 Mar. 2026 Tatum won that tug-of-war, but the alternate-universe version of the Kardashian family tree now lives rent-free in fans’ minds. —

Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 The snake was now winning the tug-of-war with Ryker, who’s around 6 foot 1 and 200 pounds. —

Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026 This is the 49ers’ third contract tug-of-war with Williams. —

Cam Inman, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug-of-war

Noun

Baseball’s richest rivalry still draws national fascination.

— Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Despite long-standing rivalries among senior Iranian politicians — many of whom hold powerful political positions and control significant economic resources — these factions quickly set aside their differences and pledged loyalty to him.

— Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026