as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
a healthy rivalry in sports between the two schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rivalry
And because that dynamic is one with a lot of humor and more than a little friendly rivalry, the Kelces have provided us with some hilarious moments.
—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
At a time when the news cycle seems to serve up nothing but conflict, crisis and woe, the World Cup offers shelter, a truly international event in which conflict is defined by long-term sports rivalries and questionable referee decisions.
—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Brooklyn always comes up in these kind of conversations because people think the Nets need to be good to give the NBA a real rivalry in New York City, but Brooklyn has nothing but young players and assets.
—
Darren Cooper,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to pair James with Stephen Curry, which would turn one of the NBA's greatest rivalries into two of the game's greatest stars fighting for their fifth title together.
—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
At a time when the news cycle seems to serve up nothing but conflict, crisis and woe, the World Cup offers shelter, a truly international event in which conflict is defined by long-term sports rivalries and questionable referee decisions.
—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
Brooklyn always comes up in these kind of conversations because people think the Nets need to be good to give the NBA a real rivalry in New York City, but Brooklyn has nothing but young players and assets.
—
Darren Cooper,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to pair James with Stephen Curry, which would turn one of the NBA's greatest rivalries into two of the game's greatest stars fighting for their fifth title together.
—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry
Noun
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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In an interview with Mental Floss, competitive eater Yasir Salem discusses how speed eaters will chew gum to strengthen their jaws to avoid fatigue during competitions.
Noun
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True, nothing so grand as a massive dragon and naval battle took place, but seeing Rhaenyra start to change into someone almost unrecognizable from her younger, more innocent self was compelling in a deeper way.
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There have been naval battles and beheadings and aerial battles and, well, more beheadings.
Noun
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Gabriel and Haaland are key men for their countries, too; whoever shades their personal duel will have a great chance of finishing on the winning team.
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As with many Latin American and African teams, Paraguay defend deep and are extremely physical in duels and aerial battles.
Noun
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Clifford was impressed with Acuff’s ability to play through his early struggles.
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Older students and professionals face an existential struggle to find a job, according to Yahya Alhamarna, a 24-year-old author displaced in Gaza City.
Noun
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China has helped cushion the global oil shock, seen its clean energy tech exports surge and framed the war in Iran as another example in which Chinese leadership could supersede the US in ending global conflicts.
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The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.
Noun
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China has showcased what may be one of its most innovative unmanned warfare concepts yet, according to reports.
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The attack comes amid an escalating pattern of long-range warfare between the two countries.
Noun
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Multiple replay challenges, a pivotal plate tag and a brief benches-clearing confrontation highlighted the drama as the Dodgers became the first team to 60 wins.
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The prosecutor argued that Styles’ death was more than a confrontation.
Noun
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Uruguay, which also lost 1-0 to Spain on Friday, and Saudi Arabia were eliminated from contention.
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That’s understandable, considering none of these free agents likely would lift Miami to playoff contention.
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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