rivalrous

adjective

Definition of rivalrousnext
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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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 Many are eagerly snapped up by buyers three to six weeks after listing in a rivalrous market. — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 4 May 2026 In the show’s first three seasons, the relationship between the two characters is by turns rivalrous, affectionate, hostile, conspiratorial, and codependent. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 Wiles and Vonn are both teammates and competitors, but the dynamic is more uplifting than rivalrous. — Sierra Shafer, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025 If either of the then-senators were to leave for the White House, their governors would need to appoint a successor — a potentially messy scenario in states where the Republican Party is filled with rivalrous internal factions. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivalrous
  1. dynamic
  2. competitive
  3. rival
  4. lively
  5. determined
Adjective
  • The arrival of Marmoush, a springy runner who is dangerous on the break and dynamic with his off-ball movement, helped reinforce a bolder new approach.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The physical robot demonstrated highly dynamic movements, including aerial cartwheels, spin kicks, and flip kicks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of dynamic
Adjective
  • Having Maxx Crosby back on the field will help, but improvements need to be made if the Raiders want to be competitive.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The competitive edge lies in how AI supports and amplifies human responsiveness, ensuring customers feel valued and heard, rather than just interacting with bots.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of competitive
Adjective
  • Beyond the numbers, Tan will no doubt field questions about the technology partnership that Google, its biggest custom chip customer, recently announced with Marvell Technology , a rival custom chip designer.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz,Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Fashion editors are obsessed with the label’s ethereal, high-quality picks that, TBH, rival high-end brands.
    — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of rival
Adjective
  • In this case, the filings contain screen grabs of text messages and other communications that seem very …lively.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This season there has been no shortage of excitement or panic after a lively opening weekend.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lively
Adjective
  • With his newfound resolve/death wish, Jacob is determined to keep his sister’s and nephew’s killers on that bridge until backup arrives.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The National Hurricane Center has a set number of lists, which include one pre-determined name for every letter of the alphabet, that are used on a rotational basis, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of determined

Browse Nearby Words

rivalries
rivalrous
rivalry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivalrous. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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