rivalry
noun
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On Rivals, Rivaling, and Rivalry
The word rival most commonly refers to a person or group that tries to defeat or be more successful than another person or group, which means that rivals tend to come in pairs. Candidates running for the same political office are political rivals, and two people trying to earn the exclusive affection of a third are romantic rivals. Teams, schools, or companies might be longtime rivals if they try over many years to outdo each other.
Rival can also mean “equal” or “peer.” When the word is used in this way it's usually conveying how good or impressive something or someone is. For example, "a country musician the rival of any in the world" is as good as the best country musicians in the world. Often a negating word is added to assert superiority, as in "a country musician without rival."
As a verb, rival typically has a meaning that relates to this latter sense of the noun. The verb is most often used to say that someone or something possesses qualities or aptitudes that approach or equal those of another. For example, for one country musician to be rivaling another, the first country musician must be as good as or nearly as good as the other musician. (Note that in U.S. English, the verb's forms are usually spelled rivaled and rivaling; in British English rivalled and rivalling are preferred.)
The noun rivalry has to do with the state or situation in which rivals (usually in the “competitor” sense) exist, or in which rivaling happens. In politics we have political rivalries, and in matters of the heart there are romantic rivalries. Sibling rivalry exists when there is competition or jealousy between sisters or brothers.
Synonyms
Examples of rivalry in a Sentence
David E. Sanger, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Harry and the Argentinean polo star share a tight bond over the charity's impact — and sometimes a friendly rivalry on the polo field.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Their guests for the taping were Queen City royalty, including Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who has an ongoing, fierce rivalry with Travis’ Kansas City Chiefs.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Apr. 2024
Yet Washington was pursuing siloed policies—simultaneously resisting Russia, appeasing Iran, containing North Korea, and pursuing a mix of rivalry and engagement with China—that added up to something manifestly incoherent.
—Matt Pottinger, Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2024
That’s an in-division rival, a rivalry that goes back longer than any of us.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2024
The subsequent visit to Japan—a key U.S. ally—suggests that Prabowo will continue his predecessor’s middle-of-the-road strategy in navigating the U.S.-China rivalry.
—TIME, 1 Apr. 2024
Having said that, one of my favorite parts of this doc was your rivalry with Kai Greene and how you guys almost came close to coming to blows.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
During his time at Bushwood Country Club, O’Keefe’s character becomes involved in a rivalry amongst a prominent, stuck-up member of the club – Judge Elihu Smails (played by Ted Knight) – and a boisterous, jokester guest named Al Czervik (played by legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield).
—Ben Morse, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rivalry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1598, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing rivalry
Dictionary Entries Near rivalry
Cite this Entry
“Rivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rivalry. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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rivalry
noun
Medical Definition
rivalry
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More from Merriam-Webster on rivalry
Nglish: Translation of rivalry for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of rivalry for Arabic Speakers
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