1
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
I'm still in this ball game, so don't count me out yet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ball game
His third pitch of the ball game — a 2-0 fastball left in the heart of the zone — was crushed by Francisco Lindor to give the Mets a 1-0 lead.
—
Katie Woo, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
In addition to the youth ball games, the family visited some spring-training ballparks, including the one in Surprise, Arizona, where the Royals train.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
However, installing many small, disparate tiles in this area is a whole different ball game, both practically and aesthetically.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
The director is the whole ball game.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ball game
Katie Woo, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
In addition to the youth ball games, the family visited some spring-training ballparks, including the one in Surprise, Arizona, where the Royals train.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
However, installing many small, disparate tiles in this area is a whole different ball game, both practically and aesthetically.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
The director is the whole ball game.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ball game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ball game
Noun
-
Militant leaders have usually died as a result of internecine rivalry among competing groups or factions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
-
That’s the foundation of an all-time rivalry.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
At the ground level, businesses are trying to make the best of a still highly uncertain situation.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
But including Sunday’s appearance, three of Morris’ last four outings have been in bigger situations, and the opportunities are unlikely to slow down.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Decades-long legal battle The Supreme Court decision to overturn Glossip’s conviction and death sentence last year marked a major turning point in his decades-long legal battle.—
Linh Tran,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
But the frenzied redistricting battle of the past few months — including a congressional map in his home state thrown out by a court after people voted to approve it, and certain elections postponed in Louisiana and Alabama after mail ballots already went out — has done it.—
Miles Parks,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The Iran nuclear deal, a 2015 accord reached under President Barack Obama, had placed limitations on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.—
Brooke Migdon,
PEOPLE,
20 May 2026
-
With deals up to 72 percent off, best-selling pieces surely won’t stay in stock long, so shop now before your soon-to-be new favorite travel outfit sells out.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
In vitro fertilization is a medical procedure that can be used to address several infertility struggles.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
Jarrett Allen, much maligned for past playoff struggles, dominated the Pistons with 23 points, seven rebounds, completely outmatching Detroit’s Jalen Duren.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Drawing on Ernest Hemingway’s own experiences as a volunteer ambulance driver with the Italian Army on the Isonzo Front during the First World War, the novel became an international sensation and cemented Hemingway’s status as one of America’s most influential literary voices.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
16 May 2026
-
As a result of the incident, several nearby schools and childcare facilities were temporarily placed on hold-in-place status, which was later ended, police said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The Browns are expected to hold a quarterback competition in training camp among Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, with rookie Taylen Green selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
Critics portray the movement as politically motivated, but many athletes and parents involved insist their concerns center on competition rather than ideology.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC news,
16 May 2026
-
Eggs, sushi, and crypto The account paid attention to smaller stories, too.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ball game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ball%20game. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
