as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the effort to get their teenage son to keep his room clean is a constant tug-of-war
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tug-of-war
The best way to channel their instincts and energy constructively, is by engaging in a variety of outdoor activities such as long walks, runs, hikes, bike rides, fetch, tug-of-war, backyard football, and off-leash play in dog parks.
—
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Another noted that the dogs tested were significantly more likely to approach winners of a tug-of-war game.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2025
Members of Jane's Addiction entangled themselves in a legal tug-of-war this week, with several members of the rock band suing the lead singer, who retaliated with a lawsuit of his own.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 19 July 2025
But like the waves at Cousins Beach, this third and final season reveals heartbreaking secrets, setting up one final brotherly tug-of-war over Belly's heart.
—Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Another noted that the dogs tested were significantly more likely to approach winners of a tug-of-war game.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2025
Members of Jane's Addiction entangled themselves in a legal tug-of-war this week, with several members of the rock band suing the lead singer, who retaliated with a lawsuit of his own.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 19 July 2025
But like the waves at Cousins Beach, this third and final season reveals heartbreaking secrets, setting up one final brotherly tug-of-war over Belly's heart.
—Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug-of-war
Noun
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Trump's hardline trade stance, however, risks straining the delicate U.S.-India defense relationship, which has blossomed in recent years in a sign of India's geostrategic importance to the United States amid its rivalry with China.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
-
Due to their ensuing real-life and fictional rivalry to reach the top of the WWE pinnacle, there was still some bad blood between Punk and Triple H as the latter moved into an executive position.—
Skyler Trepel,
People.com,
30 July 2025
Noun
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There is a battle shaping up for the fourth safety spot between Jefferson, rookie RJ Mickens and Kendall Williamson.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
-
The conservative-majority court has already knocked out a significant part of the law, but the new legal fronts could reshape decades-long precedent of legal battles over political power.—
Kristina Karisch,
The Hill,
31 July 2025
Noun
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More struggles result in prosperity Another fight would also call for Jones' leadership in action.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
-
As the citizens of the state struggle to seize power back from an autocratic government, the story centers on Jamil, a war zone courier/smuggler, and Zora, a young leader in the Mulholland Resistance, who attempt to escape Occupied Los Angeles, a city under martial law.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
23 July 2025
Noun
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The annual festival features multiple bock beers from local craft breweries, a sausage cooking competition, live music, from local musicians, local vendors, and the highlight of the day, multiple heats of racing goat.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
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Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Young Lions brought together nearly 460 emerging professionals this year from 67 markets worldwide for their Design, Digital, Film, Media, Marketers, PR, and Print competitions.—
IndieWire Staff,
IndieWire,
29 July 2025
Noun
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The quarterback then took it up a notch, challenging fans to a shotgun duel near the 17th tee.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
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More encouraging still is how seamlessly Carreras slotted into that position against Atletico, completing 74 of his 78 passes, winning all eight of his ground duels and defending the wide spaces well.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The defeat of the Islamic State in Kobani—with significant American air support—energized the PKK, which started a campaign of urban warfare and tried to take over cities in southeastern Turkey.—
Ragip Soylu,
Time,
18 July 2025
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Military officials have suggested that the bot operation may be part of a wider effort involving Russia, a longtime practitioner of digital influence warfare.—
Deborah Danan,
Sun Sentinel,
16 July 2025
Noun
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These negotiations come at a particularly fraught moment, following a 12-day conflict triggered by Israeli attacks on Iranian targets.—
Amir Daftari
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
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More than 130,000 people have been evacuated from conflict areas in Thailand, where the death toll rose to 15 as of early Friday, 14 of those civilians, according to the health ministry.—
Shoon Naing,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
Noun
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According to police, 38-year-old Cynthia Valeska Díaz Sosa was arrested July 9 in Key West after a confrontation with another driver, Perla DeMiller.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
18 July 2025
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Midas kills Araña after a confrontation fueled by accusations of betrayal.—
Time,
Time,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tug-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tug-of-war. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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