rivalry
5 synonyms for rivalry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An ongoing competition between people, teams, or groups striving for the same thing.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rivalry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fierce rivalry
sibling rivalry
bitter rivalry
friendly rivalry
Etymology
From "rival" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ry," on the same pattern as "wizardry" or "chivalry."
Full origin of rivalry →Frequently asked questions
What does “rivalry” mean?
The word “rivalry” means an ongoing competition between people, teams, or groups striving for the same thing. In plain terms, the state of ongoing competition between rivals.
How do you pronounce “rivalry”?
“Rivalry” is pronounced REYE-vuhl-ree (/ˈɹaɪ.vəl.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “rivalry” in a sentence?
Here is “rivalry” used in a sentence: “The rivalry between the two schools goes back decades.”
What part of speech is “rivalry”?
“Rivalry” is a noun.
Is “rivalry” a common word?
“Rivalry” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between rivalry and competition?
A rivalry is an ongoing competition between specific people, teams, or groups striving for the same thing, often persisting over a long period. A competition can be a single event or contest and does not require the same lasting relationship between the parties.
What is the difference between rivalry and feud?
A rivalry centers on competing for the same goal and can exist without any personal hostility. A feud implies deeper, often bitter conflict between the parties, going beyond simple competition.
What are common collocations with rivalry?
Rivalry frequently appears in phrases such as "fierce rivalry," "bitter rivalry," and "friendly rivalry," each describing a different intensity or tone of the ongoing competition.
