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.
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Recent Examples of rival
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
Biden had been relatively quiet since leaving the presidency, waiting several months into his rival’s second term to comment on the state of affairs in the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
The show, based on the Rachel Reid novel series, follows two rival hockey players who have animosity on the ice rink but share a secret romance behind closed doors.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Fans have a new sweet to round out their Burger King meals that rivals a classic McDonald’s menu item.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rival
Noun
Following Top Gear‘s original cancellation, Willson joined Channel Five’s rival show Fifth Gear as a presenter until 2005, going on to create Britain’s Worst Driver for the network.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
Biden had been relatively quiet since leaving the presidency, waiting several months into his rival’s second term to comment on the state of affairs in the country.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
As repression intensifies and rival factions maneuver, her ability to convert public support into political authority remains uncertain.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
The show, based on the Rachel Reid novel series, follows two rival hockey players who have animosity on the ice rink but share a secret romance behind closed doors.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
Kroeze said China’s demand for denim is expected to grow at a faster pace than North America and Europe and the Chinese denim market will come to rival the US, both in size and diversity.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
Fans have a new sweet to round out their Burger King meals that rivals a classic McDonald’s menu item.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
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What exactly constitutes the functional equivalent of life without parole is still up for debate.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
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The Ford Econoline 150 — Ryan called it the van equivalent of the F-150 pickup — provided a prime canvas for extras.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Emmer has been a staunch opponent of Walz for some time, whose antagonism for the governor heightened once Walz became the vice presidential running mate to former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
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Garrett faced multiple opponents on 90 percent of his pass rushing snaps prior to Week 18, per PFF.—
Jacob Robinson,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Paramount has been bidding since October for WBD, a transaction that would elevate David Ellison’s nascent media empire into a Hollywood force that could not be easily ignored by tech competitors and Wall Street.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
10 Nov. 2025
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Much like Blue Origin’s chief competitor, SpaceX — which has long been a dominant force in the commercial launch business — Blue Origin rockets are designed to be partially reused in order to drive down costs.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
She was suspended for four years and stripped of all competitive results since that date.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Barkley and McCaffrey are incredibly competitive.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Much of the movie's story revolves around Marty's chaotic efforts to make enough money to travel to Japan and compete in a tournament there.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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The Associated Press reported that the grim discovery underscores the tactics used by criminal groups competing for control of territory and trafficking routes, especially along the country’s coastline.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The picks were something of a surprise considering the turret is usually filled with Survivor and Big Brother players (who are generally better versed in reality competition gaming strategy than their Bravo counterparts).—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In a season when so many things seemed to come full circle in New England, Vrabel and the Patriots will attempt to knock off a familiar postseason foe to shift the new era into another gear.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
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Cuba joined Iran, Russia and other foes of Washington in condemning the raid at the United Nations.—
Robert Muggah,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Trinidad unexpectedly moved into the starting lineup after the starter quarterback was injured and has since helped the Rebels become a contender in the 2025 college football playoffs, per Grand Rapids Magazine.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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This article walks you through how hair transplantation in Turkey works, why Turkey has become a global hotspot, and what makes Smile Hair Clinic a serious contender for international patients.—
Wyles Daniel,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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