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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While public institutions can sometimes be scientific, encyclopedic, even cold in their faithfulness to detail, private institutions often have more freedom to take an aesthetic and dynamic approach, and have proven their legitimacy, Simode adds.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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The texture feels alive—polished yet dynamic—helping the orris read more like modern tailoring rather than powdery nostalgia.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Sherrill’s Narrow Lead Holds Across Most Polls Across 10 surveys conducted from late September to mid-October, Sherrill’s lead ranges from one to eight points, underscoring a competitive contest.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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In Round 2, the numbers were still competitive, but Jandiroba caught Dern with a knee and bloodied her up.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But its growing strategic partnership with the US, which has deepened through the Quad security grouping, is equally vital to counter to its rival China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
28 Oct. 2025
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In six days, the Chiefs will take on the rival Buffalo Bills on the road.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the evening, the rooftop Art Bar came alive with DJs, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere that catered to generations both young and old.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
22 Oct. 2025
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Both the jitterbug and Lindy Hop (which is often referred to as the granddaddy of the swing era dances) are lively, energetic swing dances that involve quick spins, sharp footwork and pure joy between a pair to a booming live band playing.—
Alexa Stone
Updated October 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Continuing with immunotherapy, Shahi remains determined to maintain her health since managing the numerous side effects from her treatments and medications comes with its challenges.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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And soon, a determined and motley crew sets out to test Vahid’s hunch.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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