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
The rivalrous power dynamic between Jones and frontman Jagger is captured in brilliant subtlety in the glances between them during an impromptu interview.
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Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Nov. 2023
A little more than a year ago, Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari and Louisville men’s basketball coach Chris Mack were publicly exchanging rivalrous barbs ahead of the 2020-21 season, a season which saw the Cardinals defeat the Wildcats.
—Hayes Gardner, The Courier-Journal, 28 Jan. 2022
Every great day is like every other, all the Barbies are sparkling and chipper, and the Kens in this world are their rivalrous, doe-eyed admirers.
—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2023
But dealing with my rivalrous siblings, the pedantries and the cliques, the teasing and the treacheries, strengthened me and taught me to be an attentive listener, with a kind of watchfulness and negotiating skills that were invaluable to me as a traveller, especially in hostile places.
—Paul Theroux, The New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2021
See all Example Sentences for rivalrous 
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Nov. 2023
A little more than a year ago, Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari and Louisville men’s basketball coach Chris Mack were publicly exchanging rivalrous barbs ahead of the 2020-21 season, a season which saw the Cardinals defeat the Wildcats.
—Hayes Gardner, The Courier-Journal, 28 Jan. 2022
Every great day is like every other, all the Barbies are sparkling and chipper, and the Kens in this world are their rivalrous, doe-eyed admirers.
—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2023
But dealing with my rivalrous siblings, the pedantries and the cliques, the teasing and the treacheries, strengthened me and taught me to be an attentive listener, with a kind of watchfulness and negotiating skills that were invaluable to me as a traveller, especially in hostile places.
—Paul Theroux, The New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2021
See all Example Sentences for rivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalrous
Adjective
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Smart is so magnificently regal, Einbinder so winningly sarcastic, that their dynamic just pops.Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
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That dynamic prompted Speaker Adams and scores of her Democratic colleagues to accuse the mayor earlier this year of deliberately launching his commission to stifle their initiative.Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The convenience of self-service is expected, and augmented reality shopping experiences continue to improve and will become a competitive differentiator for certain retailers.Shep Hyken, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
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And at the Christmas party, with the flow of dubious punch, (that no one in their right mind would serve at any other time of the year), after about 9 or 10 p.m., the man hugging becomes a competitive sport.Louis J. Esterhazy, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Suki closed a $70 million funding round in October, and rival startup Abridge announced a $150 million funding round in February.Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
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And in parts of the Southeast, the cold air coming in late this week and this weekend could also rival season lows so far.Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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With a friendly and gentle temperament, the vizsla is well suited to lively households and enjoys participating in various dog sports and outdoor activities.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
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Stroll corridors filled with lively conversation; hear and see in faithful detail what transpired almost three centuries ago.Weike Wang, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Mia seems determined to rope as many people into her chaos as much as possible, consequences be damned.Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024
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Riley is an extremely creative, hardworking and determined student.Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near rivalrous
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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