1
as in equivalent
one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value
a design that is a rival to any produced by a professional graphic artist
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in opponent
one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict
the boxer's toughest rival thus far
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in competitor
one who strives for the same thing as another
the four cities that are the top rivals for the site of the next Olympic Games
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in competitive
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rival
Noel Murray, Vulture, 19 June 2026
The aim of the creator initiative, which is a notably more aggressive push than similar efforts at Fox’s traditional media rivals, aims to leverage ties with the audience and brand relationships of creators.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026
Defense attorneys at trial Wednesday in the K Street mass shooting case argued that personal disputes, rather than ongoing bad blood between rival Sacramento street gangs, triggered the April 2022 massacre that killed six people and wounded 13 others.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
For their size, the voltages produced inside cells can rival that of a lightning bolt, and every day of activity results in a lot of molecular damage and waste products.
—Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rival
Noun
In episode three, Beth wowed a Dallas restaurant executive with a taste of one of her ranch’s steaks and seemed to have landed a contract that would make Dutton Ranch a true rival to the 10-Petal.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 19 June 2026
The aim of the creator initiative, which is a notably more aggressive push than similar efforts at Fox’s traditional media rivals, aims to leverage ties with the audience and brand relationships of creators.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Adjective
Advertisement Yet the initial agreement is also broad to the point of ambiguity, open to rival readings, and engineered so that nearly every decisive question is deferred into the 60-day window.
—Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 19 June 2026
Defense attorneys at trial Wednesday in the K Street mass shooting case argued that personal disputes, rather than ongoing bad blood between rival Sacramento street gangs, triggered the April 2022 massacre that killed six people and wounded 13 others.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Verb
Once the floats started their passage from the southern tip of Manhattan up to City Hall, those lucky revellers who’d guaranteed themselves a spot put on their own show, one that rivalled the on-court exploits of the Knicks.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
For their size, the voltages produced inside cells can rival that of a lightning bolt, and every day of activity results in a lot of molecular damage and waste products.
—Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
-
Thursday’s election, the equivalent of a US special election, was triggered to pave Burnham’s route to Downing Street.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
-
The knockout match this time around is the equivalent of a second-round NCAA Tournament basketball game.—
Darren Sabedra,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
That puts those Lawler-supporting Democrats in the unique position of helping choose his next opponent by voting in the June 23 primary.—
Chris McKenna,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
Instead, Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room made an incredible 15 saves and Ecuador walked away with a humbling result against an opponent it was heavily favored to beat.—
Kellis Robinett,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Many competitors on Wall Street were thus gleeful when Citadel’s main fund fell by fifty-five per cent during the 2008 global financial crisis.—
Gary Sernovitz,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
-
That is certainly a significant ask in a world where a new competitor is a few lines of code away.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
For the couple, Fan Fest provided the perfect competitive backdrop.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
Any of those teams would give him an opportunity to contribute in a role in a competitive context right away.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Roy, a deputy state attorney general, finished first in the city attorney primary by a wide margin and will compete against John McKinney, a deputy district attorney, in the runoff.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
-
Three centuries later, the librarians of Alexandria took charge of the text, collating competing versions, marking doubtful lines, imposing a measure of order on the teeming verses.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Mirroring their onscreen counterparts, Snow takes a highly analytical approach to her craft, while Akerman relies more on instinct.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2026
-
The two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner succeeded his French counterpart in 2014 as head coach of Ivory Coast following its group stage exit at the World Cup.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The two battled, with the Sea Snake about to make the kill after stabbing his foe in the thigh.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
The South American roster of Leviatán took down Global Esports and NRG in the Swiss Stage to advance to the playoff bracket, but were then met with a formidable foe in the shape of Paper Rex.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
For anyone venturing off-the-grid or out deep in nature, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a top contender as a rugged, adventure-suitable wearable.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
18 June 2026
-
For the full rankings from Jon, including the Top 7 contenders, click here.—
Alex Connor,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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