as in dynamic
having or marked by a strong desire to win or be better than others
The two siblings shared a rivalrous but ultimately loving relationship.
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Recent Examples of rivalrous
Many are eagerly snapped up by buyers three to six weeks after listing in a rivalrous market.
—
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2026
In the show’s first three seasons, the relationship between the two characters is by turns rivalrous, affectionate, hostile, conspiratorial, and codependent.
—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
8 Dec. 2025
Wiles and Vonn are both teammates and competitors, but the dynamic is more uplifting than rivalrous.
—
Sierra Shafer,
Outside,
18 Nov. 2025
If either of the then-senators were to leave for the White House, their governors would need to appoint a successor — a potentially messy scenario in states where the Republican Party is filled with rivalrous internal factions.
—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
Jeffrey Steele,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2026
In the show’s first three seasons, the relationship between the two characters is by turns rivalrous, affectionate, hostile, conspiratorial, and codependent.
—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
8 Dec. 2025
Wiles and Vonn are both teammates and competitors, but the dynamic is more uplifting than rivalrous.
—
Sierra Shafer,
Outside,
18 Nov. 2025
If either of the then-senators were to leave for the White House, their governors would need to appoint a successor — a potentially messy scenario in states where the Republican Party is filled with rivalrous internal factions.
—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalrous
Adjective
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Unlike dynamic stretching, static stretching holds muscles in a lengthened position for an extended period.
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However, beginning in the late 1950s, advancing spacecraft technology allowed scientists to study planets, moons and smaller bodies up close, revealing worlds far more diverse and dynamic than could be seen through telescopes alone.
Adjective
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Conservative activists cost Republicans some competitive Senate seats — the GOP didn’t win control of the upper chamber until nearly halfway through Barack Obama’s second term — but helped win the House and stayed embedded in their deep-red districts.
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This is demeaning, unfair, and dangerous to women and girls, and denies women and girls the equal opportunity to participate and excel in competitive sports.
Adjective
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The government says the land is privately owned, but rival claims over its privatization have emerged.
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After months of uncertainty, two dignitaries from rival lands have come forward to press their claims.
Adjective
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Vibrant banners will fill the land alongside lively Spanish music.
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On East Passyunk Avenue, Supérette is a lively French wine bar, market and bottle shop where rosé and pastis are enjoyed with snacks like duck prosciutto and raclette sandwiches.
Adjective
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All etched into the face of a man who spent his presidency fighting to hold together a nation that seemed determined to tear itself apart.
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Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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