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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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.
—
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
-
As models learn and adapt, their underlying parameters shift, requiring a dynamic approach to inference serving.—
Suvarna Krishnan,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
On the shores of the Atlantic, the region birthed the dynamic Gullah culture and communities of Black fisherfolk who gave America shrimp and grits, crab rice, she-crab soup, and the one-pot wonder Hoppin’ John.—
Cynthia R. Greenlee,
Bon Appétit,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Natural-language search engine Perplexity will launch a web browser, joining a competitive and crowded space that has for years been dominated by Google.—
Samuel Axon,
Ars Technica,
24 Feb. 2025
-
West Virginia remained competitive early in the second quarter as the Mountaineers cut TCU’s lead to 22-17 with just over six minutes remaining before halftime.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Earlier this month, following the acquisition of Marcus Pettersson, the club informed rival NHL member clubs that Soucy could be available in a trade — despite his full no-trade clause.—
Thomas Drance,
The Athletic,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Now that the Justin Baldoni–Blake Lively drama has made everyone freshly aware of how easily social-media narratives can be manipulated, some have wondered whether these stories were planted by rival campaigns.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Riverdale In Riverdale, outside Village Hall, there was a lively scene Tuesday afternoon as members of Michael Airhart’s mayoral campaign were ordered to remove their campaign signs from a median.—
Samantha Moilanen,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Around the room’s standing tables and plush, blush-pink lounge seats, friends, castmates, and both new and familiar faces engaged in lively conversation.—
Jamila Stewart,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The determined toddler finally made his way across the driveway toward the house, but another challenge awaited — climbing the stairs.—
Lydia Patrick,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
-
My gallerist is walking rapidly toward us with a very determined expression.—
Anelise Chen,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share