as in rivalries
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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Recent Examples of tugs-of-war
This climactic collision is woven from several minor ethical tugs-of-war that rest on each character exhibiting both selfishness and altruism in various scenes, until their complicated humanity is placed under a harsh spotlight.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Youssef has a history of intense and high-profile tugs-of-war with Egypt’s authoritarian regimes, the most recent of which has been in power since 2014.
—Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026
Youssef has a history of intense and high-profile tugs-of-war with Egypt’s authoritarian regimes, the most recent of which has been in power since 2014.
—Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tugs-of-war
Noun
-
Others are places of conflict caused by rivalries between countries or peoples, disputes over national resources, or disagreements about the past.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
If festive pride persists, it is no longer connected to a country, empire, culture, or race, but the unique traditions of individual municipalities, pitted against one another in fierce but friendly, sportsmanlike rivalries.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, groups like the nonpartisan Latino Victory Project, which focuses on developing Hispanic political leadership, said this current moment should not distract from the still-ongoing civil rights battles.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Understandably, some gamers may be skeptical or even alarmed, given the ethical issues and legal battles surrounding generative AI.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The committee will share the information with parents and staff on which campuses would be closed and more details on consolidation amid increasing financial struggles.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Screens in education are one factor increasingly under scrutiny as educators and parents search for explanations for this generation’s academic struggles, which became most pronounced during COVID-19 but have lingered even after years back in the physical classroom.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But in recent years, the glittering spectacle, meant to celebrate unity, has been overshadowed by global conflicts which have seeped onto the stage.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Escalating geopolitical conflicts have disrupted oil flows and contributed to a surge in gas prices in the past.—
David Schutz,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin both have the ability to win aerial duels and run off their partner’s flick-ons.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
-
In Dumas’ work, fights and duels and brave assaults on prisons are done grandly, out in the open.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The tense and often violent confrontations outside the Broadview facility included questionable tactics by the federal officers with their use of tear gas and less-lethal munitions on demonstrators.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Tortorella brings the reputation into the veteran locker room of a fiery coach who doesn't back down from confrontations, often winning early before later wearing thin with his players.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The case presents an interesting account of sports business and higher ed decision-making at a time when many colleges are in expensive competitions for coaches who are paid millions of dollars, and where athletes are now paid through revenue sharing and NIL.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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According to the cafe’s social media, Subculture previously held latte art competitions and open mic nights.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One source likened it to Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the beverages industry or McDonald’s and Burger King in the burger wars.—
Kathryn Hopkins,
Footwear News,
31 Mar. 2026
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The current conflict is sometimes referred to as the Third Gulf War, but is distinctive from the earlier two wars in important respects, including so far relying on executive authority alone.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tugs-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tugs-of-war. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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