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
-
Satou Sabally continues to cement her place as one of the most dynamic figures in sports.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie Snubbed for Best Actress 4 hr 48 min ago Nicole Kidman, 57, gave one of the year’s most dynamic performances as Romy Mathis, a married tech company CEO who begins an affair with a young intern (Harris Dickinson).—
Nigel Smith,
People.com,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
When perks are absent or vaguely referenced in job postings, high-value candidates may dismiss opportunities—or assume the package is less competitive.—
Cynthia Pong, JD,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
-
That said, recent history suggests the most ravenous cap eaters do not inherently prevent an organization from remaining competitive.—
Dan Bernstein,
Sportico.com,
19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The shutdown of the TikTok app in the United States would be a boon to rival platforms including Meta’s Instagram, Google’s YouTube and Snapchat.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Meta Platforms is sitting out the tech rally Friday, despite the Supreme Court upholding a law that could ban rival social media player TikTok in the U.S. as soon as Sunday.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Grover Grover is a lively and enthusiastic blue monster who loves exploring and going on new adventures.—
Casey Clark,
Parents,
16 Jan. 2025
-
From Ali’s perspective, this story is a quintessential Black ‘Dena story: eco-conscious, family orientated, spiritually vibrant, and lively — even in death.—
Keyaira Kelly,
refinery29.com,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
But Jasmine was determined to have Stacey join in on the fun.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
21 Jan. 2025
-
When will our incoming administration, controlled by greedy billionaires who are determined to divide the spoils for themselves, create yet another government agency that will be a perfect fit to help carry out their agenda? Eureka!—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near rivalrous
Cite this Entry
“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share