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
Ricardo divided society into three rivalrous classes—landlords, capitalists, and workers—and showed how the landlords were able to take the lion’s share of the economic surplus by virtue of owning, and charging rent on, a scarce and valuable resource: land.
—
John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
Instead, Civil War focuses intently on the knotty dynamic (sometimes familial, sometimes patently rivalrous) between Jessie and Lee—an ambitious, possibly opportunistic up-and-comer and the haunted professional who’s seen it all—and the role of journalists in a society on the brink of collapse.
—Elaina Patton, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
The translation into Hindi inevitably fails; instead, two fabulously different, almost rivalrous texts sit next to each other.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
The fan-favorite wrestling drama that paired Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig as rivalrous bros went peering off a cliff less than two months ago before its unceremonious cancellation.
—Starz Turns Heels, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024
Instead, Civil War focuses intently on the knotty dynamic (sometimes familial, sometimes patently rivalrous) between Jessie and Lee—an ambitious, possibly opportunistic up-and-comer and the haunted professional who’s seen it all—and the role of journalists in a society on the brink of collapse.
—Elaina Patton, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
The translation into Hindi inevitably fails; instead, two fabulously different, almost rivalrous texts sit next to each other.
—James Wood, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
The fan-favorite wrestling drama that paired Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig as rivalrous bros went peering off a cliff less than two months ago before its unceremonious cancellation.
—Starz Turns Heels, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalrous
Adjective
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These shades help the warm, woven material stand out, creating a dynamic interplay that feels fresh yet grounded.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 July 2025
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The same dynamic plays out in boardrooms where executives protect their analytical reputation instead of building strategic influence.—
John Kania,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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There are many factors to explain why two particular teams unite on the dance floor, from executive friendships to teams’ competitive cycles.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
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At the same time, Kempner notes that these personality traits—brilliant, competitive, overachieving—were almost always used to describe men.—
Tom Zeller Jr.
July 30,
Literary Hub,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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At the time, Veronica was working a desk job for a rival insurance agent.—
Mickey Rapkin,
HollywoodReporter,
28 July 2025
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Not long after, the rogue commandos again betrayed their employers, struck out on their own, and formed a rival cartel.—
Seth Harp,
Rolling Stone,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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There are a few giant screens playing sports located towards the back of the restaurant, and lively music, either from the house speakers or in-person entertainers, sets the mood for a fun meal.—
Ronny Maye,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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At a time when personal expression and wellness are at the heart of home design, this equally grounding and lively shade couldn’t be more timely.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Despite low turnout thus far, Morales is determined to make this work.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Aug. 2025
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Angela Craig lost brain activity on March 15 but wasn’t clinically determined brain dead until March 18, according to testimony from Aurora Police Department Detective Bobbi Jo Olson.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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