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

Now, these AFC West foes meet on neutral ground to resume what hasn’t been much of a rivalry of late.

From Los Angeles Times

So yeah, we were both happy about it, and it’s good to see two industry people in whatever “supposed rivalry” who genuinely like each other without that other bull—.

From Los Angeles Times

The rivalry game also gets fans to show up.

From Los Angeles Times

The two sides have an unresolved and long-standing territorial dispute – that signifies a much broader and deeper rivalry.

From BBC

I don’t see the big deal about the continuation of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry when the Trojans can annually test their mettle against such powerhouses as Missouri State and Georgia Southern!

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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