power struggle

American

[pau-er struhg-uhl] / ˈpaʊ ər ˌstrʌg əl /

noun

plural

power struggles

a process or relation of constant opposition between rivals competing for control.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After Stalin won the power struggle, he exiled Trotsky from Moscow in 1928 and from the Soviet Union the following year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Sudan remains locked in an almost three‑year power struggle between the regular army and the RSF.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

McSweeney emerged victorious from an internal power struggle to become Sir Keir's chief of staff in 2024 after the dramatic resignation of Sue Gray.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

Yet, despite Maresca showing his commitment, it remains an open question whether this ongoing power struggle could affect Chelsea's players going forward.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

We were in the middle of this little power struggle when another gallery officer appeared from downstairs and shifted the balance of power to my favor.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023