one-upmanship

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The Mourinho - Guardiola rivalry was like a mirror for the Ronaldo - Messi rivalry. And, as players, they knew that game-winning goals were their route to one-upmanship," added Spanish football writer Sid Lowe.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

By the mid-20th century, World’s Fairs had become games of one-upmanship and geopolitical rivalry.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

That kind of provocative behavior will lead to years, even a lifetime, of one-upmanship, backbiting and behind-the-scenes maneuvers.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 3, 2025

Also underway are the campaign intel-gathering, one-upmanship and trash talk.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

I laughed at the thought of Mrs. Dorn keeping a tally of everything her neighbors purchased, and tried not to be jealous that Audrey got a car because of a game of wealthy one-upmanship.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson