as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the effort to get their teenage son to keep his room clean is a constant tug-of-war
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Recent Examples of tug-of-war
Later this year, the DES collaboration plans to publish observations of how galaxies and matter have clustered over the eons, a process that reflects the tug-of-war between gravity’s pull and dark energy’s push.
—
Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
In New York, state officials, advocates and the health care provider community have been engaged in a policy tug-of-war over efforts to protect consumers.
—Michelle Andrews, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
Boston’s mayoral race and the state Auditor’s tug-of-war with the state Legislature is teed-up for jokes at Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.
—Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
The answer will depend on the tug-of-war between an administration intent on upending the status quo and those fighting to preserve a federal role in public education.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 19 Mar. 2025
In New York, state officials, advocates and the health care provider community have been engaged in a policy tug-of-war over efforts to protect consumers.
—Michelle Andrews, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
Boston’s mayoral race and the state Auditor’s tug-of-war with the state Legislature is teed-up for jokes at Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.
—Boston Herald Staff, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
The answer will depend on the tug-of-war between an administration intent on upending the status quo and those fighting to preserve a federal role in public education.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tug-of-war
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug-of-war
Noun
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What has endured and evolved, however, is a fierce rivalry in an event that is now huge business, watched by up to 250,000 in person, millions more on television (the races are being screened live on BBC One) and sponsored by French luxury brand Chanel, no less.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
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While known for his exceptional mic skills, Punk also consistently delivered in-ring performances, with his rivalry against John Cena and Rey Mysterio producing some of his most iconic bouts.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Rather, Awuah-Darko wants his story to reach people, whether through Instagram or this article, who feel alone in their battles, even if that comes with backlash.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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For Episode 15 of the current 17th season that aired on April 11, 2025, the eliminated queens were spotlighted by returning to battle for a $50,000 prize in a series of emotional and high-energy lip syncs, as was the popular Korean drinking game that Rosé and Mars sing about in their duet.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Not having to make payments might be a relief to those who are experiencing any financial struggles.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2025
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Her vehicle was found at her apartment, along with a bent car key, her high heels and signs of a struggle.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The major driver for the decline in coal use is the economic competition with cheaper and cleaner fuels, such as natural gas and renewables, Ryna Cui, research director for the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, told ABC News.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2025
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That also plays out of competition in Cannes Premiere.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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With a brewing 60 meter sprint race between NFL champion Tyreek Hill and Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles locked in for sometime later this year, conversations have been running amok as to whether the crossover duel will actually field a competitive race.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Snell duels with Tarik Skubal, the incumbent AL Triple-Crowner and last year’s unanimous AL Cy Young.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Defense stocks have typically been excluded from portfolios based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors due to ethical concerns over the sector’s association with warfare.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2025
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The Time for Action Is Now Every new era of warfare demands institutional reinvention.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Faucette alleged that the conflict began in the driveway of Bryant's Apex home around 10 p.m. on Friday after Brown came to pick his child up without a proper car seat, reported CBS17 and WRAL.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
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The Houthis claim to have destroyed 17 Reaper drones since the Red Sea conflict began, worth about $30 million each.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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An eyewitness told police that the confrontation between the two boys began when Metcalf asked Anthony to move out from under the tent that had been set up for members of his high school track team on the field that day.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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There is a humiliation that is at play with the ankle monitor, and then the confrontation with Chad happening at my workplace is kind of her nightmare.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tug-of-war.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tug-of-war. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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