Compete with luvvies (3)
I believe the answer is:
vie
'compete' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'with luvvies' is the wordplay.
'with' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'VIE' can be found hidden inside 'luvvies'.
(Other definitions for vie that I've seen before include "Compete for something" , "Contend for superiority" , "I've got to compete" , "Contend, compete" , "Struggle" .)