arch-rivalry
Bitter ongoing conflict
Arch-rivalry is the relationship between arch-rivals—competitors whose opposition is intense, longstanding, and often defining for both parties.
The term appears in sports journalism and political commentary: The arch-rivalry between the two schools dates back a century.
Where rivalry suggests competition, arch-rivalry implies something deeper and more personal.
Persistent source of ruin
- foeHostile opponent
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- opponentOne who contends against
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
contender · counterpart · bête noire · sworn enemy · mortal enemy
Intense hostile aversion
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
- enmityBitter, lasting ill will
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
grudge · feud · bad blood · acrimony · rancor · spite · malice · contempt
Multi-round competitive event
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- playoffsChampionship elimination series
- showdownDecisive final confrontation
head-to-head · clash · duel · bout · fixture · derby · finals · league
Armed military engagement
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
- warArmed struggle between groups
combat · discord · tension · friction · strife · power struggle · turf war · territorial dispute
nemesis
Persistent source of ruin
- foeHostile opponent
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- opponentOne who contends against
challenger · contender · counterpart · bête noire · sworn enemy · mortal enemy
hatred
Intense hostile aversion
- antagonismActive opposition or hostility
- enmityBitter, lasting ill will
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
bitterness · grudge · feud · bad blood · acrimony · rancor · spite · malice · contempt · loathing
tournament
Multi-round competitive event
- championshipCompetition for top rank
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
- playoffsChampionship elimination series
showdown · head-to-head · clash · duel · bout · fixture · derby · finals · league · standings
battle
Armed military engagement
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
war · combat · discord · tension · friction · strife · power struggle · turf war · territorial dispute · cold war
arch-rivalryalliance
Formal union of parties
partnership · brotherhood · camaraderie · solidarity · fellowship
arch-rivalryindifference
Lack of interest
apathy · unconcern · detachment · neutrality · disinterest
arch, rival, rivalry, rivals, rivaled, rivaling, rivalries, arched, arches