as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
a healthy rivalry in sports between the two schools
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 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
-
Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
-
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
-
Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
-
While the first half of the match was full of battles and speed runs from one goal to another, the players seem to be taking a more methodical pace after returning from the locker room.
Noun
-
The drama had returned, Scheffler and Hovland resumed their duel, with Morikawa watching hopefully, but helplessly.
-
But when Aemond arrives unexpectedly, the castellan wonders if a duel can’t be avoided.
Noun
-
Thomas, 25, has seen limited playing time this season due to some offensive struggles.
-
Carvalho’s struggles included a three-day strike in March 2023.
Noun
-
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.
-
The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.
Noun
-
China has showcased what may be one of its most innovative unmanned warfare concepts yet, according to reports.
-
The attack comes amid an escalating pattern of long-range warfare between the two countries.
Noun
-
The prosecutor argued that Styles’ death was more than a confrontation.
-
Yet despite his later involvement in politics, McCloskey remains most closely associated with the confrontation that unfolded outside his home in June 2020.
Noun
-
Uruguay, which also lost 1-0 to Spain on Friday, and Saudi Arabia were eliminated from contention.
-
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 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
