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
In Trump’s first term, that insight helped the United States begin a messy adjustment to the realities of a rivalrous age.
—
Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
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 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
Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
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 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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CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
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The panelists will share insights on how to harness hallmark moments for brand recognition, as well as how to combine brands with new sectors through innovative thinking and engage influencers in dynamic, culturally relevant ways.—
William Earl,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Earlier this year, some venture capitalists suggested that startup founders in Europe needed to increase their work hours — including working seven days a week — to be more competitive globally.—
Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
11 Oct. 2025
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Sims said Kaiser offers competitive pay and excellent health benefits, and is already reducing internal costs to make its latest wage offer to the Alliance of Health Care Unions — of which UNAC/UCHP is a member.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The latest flare-up coincided with a historic trip by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan’s rival India, triggering concern in Islamabad.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
15 Oct. 2025
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The trouble is, VistaVision went out of fashion for a reason and was never as widely adopted in its heyday as some of its rival formats.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But Missoula, Livingston and Bozeman have lively literary scenes.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Expect lively notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and green apple, anchored by a soft minerality that adds depth without overpowering.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The general store, which was built in 1796 and is the oldest in Vermont, has survived several fires, thanks to the efforts of determined Putney residents.—
Megan Margulies,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2025
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Proctor hasn’t scored yet this season, but the Crimson Tide look determined to get him in the end zone.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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