as in competition
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
a healthy rivalry in sports between the two schools
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rivalry
In the City Section Open Division boys’ rivalry game between El Camino Real and Birmingham, the Patriots’ goalkeeper, Armando Cervantes, tackled El Camino Real’s Christopher Montenegro in the penalty box to prevent a goal.
—
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
While Charlotte leads in-state conference opponent East Carolina 2-0 in the series history, the AAC elected not to put the third installment of the 49ers-Pirates matchup on rivalry week, the final week of the regular season, instead slating Charlotte’s trip to Greenville on Nov. 8.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2025
India and China are also locked in a technology rivalry that experts say has contributed to growing tensions between the two rising Asian nations.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
The rivalry between the two legends, both on and off the course, is well known.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
While Charlotte leads in-state conference opponent East Carolina 2-0 in the series history, the AAC elected not to put the third installment of the 49ers-Pirates matchup on rivalry week, the final week of the regular season, instead slating Charlotte’s trip to Greenville on Nov. 8.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2025
India and China are also locked in a technology rivalry that experts say has contributed to growing tensions between the two rising Asian nations.
—Seema Mody, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025
The rivalry between the two legends, both on and off the course, is well known.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry
Noun
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Arsenal were eventually triumphant and went on to win that year’s competition.—
Jessy Parker Humphreys,
The Athletic,
19 Mar. 2025
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At a time when utility rates continue to climb — particularly distribution charges which have risen by double digits over the past decade — the new law removes competition and locks customers into a monopoly system that is already out of control.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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After routing 5-seed Villanova 82-54 in the semifinals on Sunday, the Huskies advance to face No. 23 Creighton for a battle between the top two seeds in the conference title game.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
9 Mar. 2025
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Just last month at the NFL Scouting Combine, GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales stressed the importance of battle in the trenches.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The 26-year-old right-back covered 11.5 kilometres, had 43 sprints and 59 touches, and 70% of his duels and 100% of his one-v-one situations to help Leipzig secure a crucial 2-0 win in what remains a tight race for the Champions League spots.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
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Implementing that into my play, which is being more dynamic, getting into tackles more, winning more duels offensively and defensively.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Each plate tells a story, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Black women in policing and justice who have broken barriers in their careers.—
Jonel Juste,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2025
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This not only fosters appreciation for the cuisine but also sparks curiosity about the traditions, struggles and resilience of the people behind it.—
Liza B. Zimmerman,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Their conflict reached its end at AEW's Revolution event in March 2025, where Strickland ultimately defeated Ricochet.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
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These trade conflicts have triggered worries about stagflation, a combination of stagnant growth and elevated inflation.—
Axios,
Axios,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This shift not only improves operational efficiency but also underscores the future of warfare: adaptable, decentralized, and less dependent on fossil fuels.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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This is the kind of ideological warfare DeSantis has already seen repeatedly rejected by judges — conservative judges who actually believe in the U.S. Constitution and free speech.—
Scott Maxwell,
Orlando Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Death Takes Me appears to have been a stepping stone to a more explicitly political confrontation with violence—one that refuses resignation and demands justice.—
Nicolás Medina Mora,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2025
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On February 28, the president had a heated confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which resulted in Trump pausing military aid to Ukraine.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Some weeks are especially busy with new releases and bestsellers, which pushes some longtime favorites out of contention.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Trade tariff concerns, the issue of defense spending, and Trump's approach to Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent bloody war, are all matters of contention.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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