rivalry

American  

[rahy-vuhl-ree] / ˈraɪ vəl ri /

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.

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rivalry British  

/ ˈraɪvəlrɪ /

noun

1. the act of rivalling; competition

2. the state of being a rival or rivals

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Other Word Forms

• rivalrous adjective

Etymology

Origin of rivalry

First recorded in 1590–1600; rival + -ry

Example Sentences

The guardrails of multilateral institutions are becoming too limited to contain hegemonic rivalries.

From The Wall Street Journal

Horner, who led Red Bull to eight drivers' titles and six constructors' championships, and Wolff endured a rivalry for much of the past decade.

From BBC

But the recent outburst of innovation, combined with the heated rivalries among the nation’s battery makers, seems to be moving up the clock.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We want to create bigger atmospheres, fuel the passion of rivalries and give fans an even more memorable experience when they come to Gallagher Prem matches."

From BBC

The competition recalls the 1960s-era Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union -- but Harvard professor Matthew Hersch said that rivalry was "unique" and "will not be repeated anytime soon."

From Barron's

Related Words

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