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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rival
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025
While playing Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, the late Michelle Trachtenberg appeared on Weeds in 2011 as Emma Karlin, a seemingly unhappy employee of rival pot-dealing front Pouncy House Party Rentals.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Jane Ho, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The arrangement will give Disney more heft at the negotiating table with distributors and new firepower in its effort to outmaneuver streaming rivals.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2025
Still, the category may get a boost in the coming years when Apple rolls out smart glasses, rivaling a popular product from Meta Platforms Inc.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rival
Noun
The team believes that this indicates wartime cannibalism, which was used as a means of control over a rival population.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025
While playing Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, the late Michelle Trachtenberg appeared on Weeds in 2011 as Emma Karlin, a seemingly unhappy employee of rival pot-dealing front Pouncy House Party Rentals.
—James Mercadante, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
Intense competition from smaller rivals amid sluggish demand caused the company’s shares to tumble to an eight-year low in April, dragging down Belo’s net worth by over 40% to $520 million, the biggest drop on the list in percentage terms.
—Jane Ho, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The arrangement will give Disney more heft at the negotiating table with distributors and new firepower in its effort to outmaneuver streaming rivals.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda High-rise Jeans With the look of on-trend utility jeans and comfort that rivals sweatpants, these Amazon best-selling pants are a yes all-around.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2025
Still, the category may get a boost in the coming years when Apple rolls out smart glasses, rivaling a popular product from Meta Platforms Inc.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
-
On the ball, Maresca’s preference is for his side to build with short passes from his goalkeeper, often with the aim of baiting opponents into a press that creates space higher up the pitch.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
-
As the other undefeated team, Canada outscored its three opponents 19-4, but had to rely on some third-period outbursts to run up those offensive numbers.—
Carol Schram,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Joachim Trier’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Sentimental Value will screen in Open Air alongside Michel Franco’s Berlin competitor Dreams and Miguel Ángel Jiménez’s Locarno title The Birthday Party.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
12 Aug. 2025
-
In a world where technology cycles are shorter, markets shift faster, and competitors emerge from anywhere, the one big idea is often the first casualty.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The plan is for Richardson to play one quarter and another half quarter before being replaced by Daniel Jones, who is competing with Richardson for the QB1 title, for the rest of the first half.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Nasdaq operates several exchanges in the Nordics that could compete too.—
Ganesh Rao,
CNBC,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
To deliver it, the State Department will need to reassert itself, clearly define its competitive advantage over other agencies, and improve its methods of delivery.—
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The show surpassed 10 million total viewers after 35 days of multi-platform viewing and finished the broadcast season in the top 10 shows among total viewers in Nielsen competitive cross-platform rankings.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This chimes with previous reports that every iPhone will see a $50 price increase compared to current counterparts.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Best Budget: Bubble Knock Out Acne Spot Treatment Pros: Affordable; reduces swelling and pimple size within hours Cons: The sponge-tip applicator isn’t the most hygienic At only $12, this is the most affordable spot treatment on this list, yet just as effective as its pricier counterparts.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
Glamour,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But Birmingham are expected to be one of the clubs in contention for a play-offs spot, perhaps alongside former League One foes Wrexham.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Wednesday returns to the Gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, where fresh foes and woes await.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Translation: The 2025 race will be populated by a largely new slate of contenders.—
Team TVLine,
TVLine,
11 Aug. 2025
-
The Storm once looked like contenders for a deep postseason run, but the team is now clinging to seventh place after losing five straight games in August by five points or less.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Contrary to decades of precedent, Republican state officials in at least 15 states contend that private individuals and groups do not have the right to sue to enforce Section 2 because they are not explicitly named in the landmark law's text.—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Simone Rose, the U.S. Classic runner-up, should also contend in New Orleans.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share