to strive in competition or rivalry with another; contend for superiority

Swimmers from many nations were vying for the title.

Archaic . to put forward in competition or rivalry.

Obsolete . to stake in card playing.

verb

be rivals , buck , challenge , contend , contest , counter , go for * , go for broke , go for the gold , go for the jugular , jockey for position , match , oppose , pit , play , play off , push , rival , scramble for , strive , struggle , sweat , emulate , bet , compete , complete , content , endure , fight , jostle , stake , wager