rivalry

[rahy-vuhl-ree]

noun

plural

rivalries 

1. the action, position, or relation of a rival or rivals; competition.

   rivalry between Yale and Harvard.

   Synonyms: jealousy, antagonism, opposition

2. an instance of this.

rivalry

/ ˈraɪvəlrɪ /

noun

1. the act of rivalling; competition

2. the state of being a rival or rivals

Other Word Forms

• rivalrous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rivalry¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; rival + -ry

Example Sentences

“I made this video to show what the rivalry is really about — the history, the passion, the bragging rights,” Dooley told The Times.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The rivalry between the two Britons has intensified since their original October 25 fight was postponed because of an injury to TKV, which Clarke has publicly questioned.

Read more on BBC

With England now firmly on top in this particular European rivalry, BBC Sport examines the reasons behind a growing period of dominance.

Read more on BBC

It seems as if Doncic has his own personal rivalry against the Clippers and it just simply folded into the inter-city rivalry.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That intensity is, not surprisingly, alive and well and this rare “outside” episode is a fun romp through sibling rivalry and the other characters’ views of teamwork and competition.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antagonism 
• clash 
• conflict 
• contest 
• duel 
• encounter 
• event 
• fight 
• jealousy 
• matchup 
• race 
• strife 
• struggle 
• tug-of-war