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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rivalry
Saturday’s meeting between St. John’s and Arkansas (21-13) is set to renew a decades-long rivalry between Pitino and Calipari.
—
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
In Tuesday's episode of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, Fried shut Boston out over 4 1/3 innings, allowing only two hits while striking out three and issuing no walks.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Ottawa’s record against Montreal this season didn’t get any better after the latest edition of their rivalry.
—Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
The Celtics have won 10 of their last 11 meetings with the Heat, including last year’s first-round playoff series, dominating what had been one of the East’s most competitive rivalries.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
In Tuesday's episode of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, Fried shut Boston out over 4 1/3 innings, allowing only two hits while striking out three and issuing no walks.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Ottawa’s record against Montreal this season didn’t get any better after the latest edition of their rivalry.
—Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025
The Celtics have won 10 of their last 11 meetings with the Heat, including last year’s first-round playoff series, dominating what had been one of the East’s most competitive rivalries.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalry
Noun
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The message from executive leadership, from Sonntag to U.S. Ski & Snowboard president and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt, was clear: Sun Valley hosting the World Cup finals represented a chance for the U.S. to show the world that American resorts can host world-class competition.—
Michelle Bruton,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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Start before your competition Start looking before your competition heats up.—
Phil Blair,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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When The Brand Loses Its Voice — And Finds Its Power The most pivotal chapter in Kilmer’s brand evolution came through his battle with throat cancer — a diagnosis that would permanently alter his voice and threaten his ability to perform.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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The plan backfired: Poyer looked aged while Holland’s battles with injuries limited his ability.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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With a brewing 60 meter sprint race between NFL champion Tyreek Hill and Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles locked in for sometime later this year, conversations have been running amok as to whether the crossover duel will actually field a competitive race.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Snell duels with Tarik Skubal, the incumbent AL Triple-Crowner and last year’s unanimous AL Cy Young.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Not having to make payments might be a relief to those who are experiencing any financial struggles.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2025
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As much as anything tactical, Guardiola also has to pick the players that are in any kind of form and that has been the bigger challenge for a lot of this season, considering the struggles of De Bruyne, Gundogan, Foden, Bernardo, Kovacic, etc.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Your company's purpose should be nonnegotiable and a source of inspiration, especially during times of conflict.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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What Happens Next Talks are currently underway between the U.S, Russia, and Ukraine, to potentially bring an end to the conflict.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Time for Action Is Now Every new era of warfare demands institutional reinvention.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
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Defense stocks have typically been excluded from portfolios based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors due to ethical concerns over the sector’s association with warfare.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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An eyewitness told police that the confrontation between the two boys began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move out from under the tent that had been set up for members of his high school track team on the field that day.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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There is a humiliation that is at play with the ankle monitor, and then the confrontation with Chad happening at my workplace is kind of her nightmare.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The team is banking on the recovery of ace Brandon Woodruff from shoulder surgery and Christian Yelich from back surgery to bring them back into contention.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
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Grade: ❌ 🔥 Miami Marlins This year’s bold prediction: Coming off Tommy John surgery, Sandy Alcantara will be in prime form and in Cy Young contention until he’s traded to an American League team in late July.—
Johnny Flores Jr.,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalry. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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