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 winners of San Jose’s City Council races will have to wrestle with multimillion-dollar budget deficits in the coming years, tackle ongoing struggles with homelessness and public safety, and balance the tug-of-war between labor and business at City Hall.
—
Ryan MacAsero,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Sunday’s 9-4 finale win was more tug-of-war than Saturday’s 9-1 laugher, though.
—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Your disciplined patience turns this tug-of-war into structure by setting expectations early, delegating tasks where possible, and finishing the key task that moves results the most.
—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
The ensuing tug-of-war is driven by Karl’s second wife, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), another story accelerant in the guise of a person.
—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Ryan MacAsero,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Sunday’s 9-4 finale win was more tug-of-war than Saturday’s 9-1 laugher, though.
—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Your disciplined patience turns this tug-of-war into structure by setting expectations early, delegating tasks where possible, and finishing the key task that moves results the most.
—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
The ensuing tug-of-war is driven by Karl’s second wife, Mallory (Jessy Hodges), another story accelerant in the guise of a person.
—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug-of-war
Noun
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The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
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Spain and Portugal renew their historic rivalry, with Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo in contrasting lights.
Noun
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Riff argued the issue to halt the payout was not a legal battle but rather a political one.
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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
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Thomas, 25, has seen limited playing time this season due to some offensive struggles.
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Carvalho’s struggles included a three-day strike in March 2023.
Noun
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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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
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The drama had returned, Scheffler and Hovland resumed their duel, with Morikawa watching hopefully, but helplessly.
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But when Aemond arrives unexpectedly, the castellan wonders if a duel can’t be avoided.
Noun
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China has showcased what may be one of its most innovative unmanned warfare concepts yet, according to reports.
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The attack comes amid an escalating pattern of long-range warfare between the two countries.
Noun
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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.
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The characters are all in a continual state of collision, their shifting conflicts inflamed by Coriolanus’ arrogantly uncompromising nature.
Noun
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The prosecutor argued that Styles’ death was more than a confrontation.
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Yet despite his later involvement in politics, McCloskey remains most closely associated with the confrontation that unfolded outside his home in June 2020.
Cite this Entry
“Tug-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tug-of-war. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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