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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples of rival in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 28 Aug. 2024
Kroger and Albertsons say joining forces would benefit shoppers by helping the enlarged company compete with discount stores and online rivals.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2024
Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024
But just like in college, Clark’s brilliant performances are being matched by her rival Reese.
—Ben Church, CNN, 19 Aug. 2024
Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024
Somehow over the past few years, streaming services, once considered a cost-effective way to watch TV, have become so expensive that getting a handful to watch your favorite shows can rival your cable bill.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival 
Noun
Roglic and his rivals essentially took a siesta on the race’s sixth stage and allowed O’Connor to get a massive head start in the battle for the red jersey—the getup worn by the race’s overall leader.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 28 Aug. 2024
Kroger and Albertsons say joining forces would benefit shoppers by helping the enlarged company compete with discount stores and online rivals.
—Kate Gibson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2024
Adjective
Dollar General and Dollar Tree have been the fastest-growing retailers by new store openings in recent years, capitalizing on factors such as entrenched poverty in many areas of the country, a shrinking middle class and rival retailers’ store closures.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024
But just like in college, Clark’s brilliant performances are being matched by her rival Reese.
—Ben Church, CNN, 19 Aug. 2024
Verb
Budd makes beautiful, timeless, pajama sets—with detailing, like that found on the shirt sleeve cuffs—that rivals much ready-to-wear menswear on the market.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024
Somehow over the past few years, streaming services, once considered a cost-effective way to watch TV, have become so expensive that getting a handful to watch your favorite shows can rival your cable bill.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rival.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.
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