General:
* Competitive: This is the most common and straightforward adjective. It describes something that involves competition.
* Contested: This implies a struggle or fight for something.
More specific:
* Fierce: This suggests a very intense and aggressive competition.
* Rigorous: This describes a competition that is demanding and challenging.
* Intense: This suggests a high level of effort and focus.
* Close: This describes a competition where the outcome is uncertain and the participants are closely matched.
* Friendly: This describes a competition that is not hostile but rather encourages cooperation and good sportsmanship.
Example Sentences:
* "The competitive spirit was high among the athletes."
* "The election was a close and contested race."
* "The climbers faced a rigorous competition in the mountains."
* "The children enjoyed the friendly competition in the playground."
Ultimately, the best adjective will depend on the specific situation and the desired nuance.