Jostle: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually refers to a situation where people are bumping into one another in a crowd, often by accident.

• I had to jostle my way through the crowded market
• People jostled each other to get a better view of the parade

General term for applying force to move something or someone away, can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• She pushed the door open
• The kids were pushing each other in the playground

Implies a more forceful and often rough movement, usually with a negative connotation.

• He shoved me aside to get through the door
• The angry fan shoved his way to the front

Specifically describes using one's elbows to make space or move through a crowd, often with some physical effort, yet not necessarily aggressive.

• He elbowed his way to the front of the concert
• I had to elbow through the crowd at the bus station

Jostle is often used when describing physical pushing or shoving in a crowded area. It can also describe people competing aggressively for an opportunity. This word can have a slightly negative connotation.

• The passengers had to jostle each other to get onto the crowded train.
• Reporters jostled for position in front of the celebrity.

Competition is used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are striving to achieve something that not everyone can have. It is a neutral term and can apply to sports, business, academics, and many other areas.

• The competition for the top prize was intense.
• She entered a baking competition and won first place.

Struggle is used to describe a prolonged and difficult effort to achieve something or deal with a problem. It often implies hardship and can have a negative connotation.

• She had to struggle to overcome many obstacles in her career.
• The team is in a struggle to maintain their position in the league.

Contest is used to describe an event where individuals or teams compete against each other to win something. This term is common in sports, games, and organized events, and it has a neutral or positive connotation.

• The spelling bee is a popular contest among school children.
• They hosted a photography contest on social media.