Synonyms for rivalry
Most common
Definitions
- n. 1
An ongoing relationship between (usually two) rivals who compete for superiority.
The Boston Bruins have a longstanding rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens.
Forms
- Plural
- rivalries → competitions, contentions, contests, contestations…
Choose the right word
We speak of competition in business, emulation in scholarship, rivalry in love, politics, etc.; emulation of excellence, success, achievement; competition for a prize; rivalry between persons or nations. Competition may be friendly, rivalry is commonly hostile.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- competition I like to play sport for fun, not for competition.
- contest The presidential election is not a beauty contest.
- contention It's always been a point of contention between us.
- jealousy Tom set fire to his rival's house out of jealousy.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| rivalry | steady | |
| competition | steady | |
| contest | steady | |
| contention | falling | |
| contestation | rising | |
| jealousy | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 7 letters
- contest2
- 8 letters
- jealousy3
- 9 letters
- emulation4
- 10 letters
- contention3
- 11 letters
- competition4
- 12 letters
- contestation
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (contest2 = 2 syllables).