rivalry

[ rahy-vuhl-ree ]

noun

, plural ri·val·ries.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈrivalrous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rivalry¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; rival + -ry

Example Sentences

Erasmus, however, says past results count for nothing when the two sides renew their rivalry in London.

From BBC

Serrano, 36, is also hesitant to reveal her purse but feels other female fighters can capitalise on the magnitude and success of her rivalry with Taylor.

From BBC

Jones worked with leading rappers in the 80s, and in the 90s he recognised risks including a volatile rivalry that had begun to erupt between competing labels and stars.

From BBC

Foster said left tackle Niki Prongos, who departed the game against Iowa because of an unspecified injury, would likely miss the game against Washington but could return for the Bruins’ rivalry game against USC on Nov. 23.

From Los Angeles Times

Both men ran for president in 2016, and the two developed a bitter rivalry.

From BBC

Related Words

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