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
The larger fight over vaccines For Rasmussen, the confusion over COVID shots signals the beginning of a longer tug-of-war—with Kennedy’s HHS on one end.
—
Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 10 June 2025
The ongoing tariff tug-of-war is already hiking prices for both consumers and businesses, while fraying some of the country's international relationships.
—Maria Aspan, NPR, 10 June 2025
Residents, city council members and the Church of Scientology have been locked in a tug-of-war over a portion of roadway in downtown Clearwater ever since city leaders voted in March to tentatively approve selling the land to the church.
—Colbi Edmonds, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
The day of 19th-century-style outdoor recreation will feature a variety of traditional lawn games that once entertained early Californians, such as wheelbarrow races, sack races and tug-of-war.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 10 June 2025
The ongoing tariff tug-of-war is already hiking prices for both consumers and businesses, while fraying some of the country's international relationships.
—Maria Aspan, NPR, 10 June 2025
Residents, city council members and the Church of Scientology have been locked in a tug-of-war over a portion of roadway in downtown Clearwater ever since city leaders voted in March to tentatively approve selling the land to the church.
—Colbi Edmonds, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
The day of 19th-century-style outdoor recreation will feature a variety of traditional lawn games that once entertained early Californians, such as wheelbarrow races, sack races and tug-of-war.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug-of-war
Noun
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McIntyre believes their rivalry was proof that personal tension can enhance storytelling.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
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The Wolf Pack have fallen behind in the Mountain West in recent years, and are staying in the conference while others head to the Pac-12, so that rivalry flame is dying.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
23 June 2025
Noun
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After a competitive bidding battle, Amazon MGM Studios has landed the package for a live-action movie revolving around the Bratz doll line with Kim Kardashian and Picturestart on board to produce.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
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That same month, Adams withdrew his candidacy for the Democratic primary, saying the legal battle had prevented him from effectively campaigning.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Even the quiet, eyebrow-raising final moments, which suggest that the struggle for economic justice and equality might be utterly pointless, feel less like a philosophy and more like a real-life capitalist desire for more, more, more.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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The struggle was so real that Reynolds unveiled a special musical production for McElhenney's birthday devoted to teaching fans the pronunciation of his costar's last name, enlisting the help of some of his famous friends as well as members of the club's hometown.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Gregg Newton | Afp | Getty Images Amazon’s second batch of Kuiper internet satellites reached low Earth orbit on Monday, adding to its plans for a massive constellation and ramping up competition with SpaceX’s Starlink.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
23 June 2025
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Compete for Causes, the local group that pairs fitness and fundraising with its charity fitness competitions, recently made a $32,200 contribution to Father Joe’s Villages.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
Noun
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Here, Koulibaly chips the ball towards Lodi… … and Alexander-Arnold is in position to contest the aerial duel.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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Pitchers Danny Wallace and Ryan Papa combined to allow just one run on six hits in the duel with Wunsch.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2025
Noun
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In general, Ukrainian electronic warfare systems are able to jam approximately half of the incoming drones, especially those flying at lower altitudes.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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The United States would be, to put it mildly, naïve to believe that the accumulation of intelligence and modern warfare knowledge by North Korea, China and Iran presents no threat to the United States.—
Laura Thornton,
Twin Cities,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Global market sentiment is becoming more skittish over the conflict between Iran and Israel and the possibility of further U.S. involvement.—
Ganesh Rao,Jenni Reid,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
19 June 2025
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Sen Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, moved to limit Trump's powers by introducing a floor resolution that would require approval from Congress before the U.S. could get involved in a military conflict with Iran.—
Alexandra Hutzler,
ABC News,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Video of the meeting showed the confrontation began during a confusing moment in the session.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
28 June 2025
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Reactive dogs deserve patience and distance, not judgment or confrontation.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tug-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tug-of-war. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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