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
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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
ABC News, 13 June 2026
Even fans of rival programs in the state and conference were giving TCU their props for their dig at the big bad bullies of the Big 12.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 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
Thousands of police were deployed to ensure the two rival groups would remain apart.
—ABC News, 13 June 2026
Even fans of rival programs in the state and conference were giving TCU their props for their dig at the big bad bullies of the Big 12.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 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
-
Villanova would toss the Owls aside by 20 for its 22nd consecutive win against their Philly opponents, a walkover victory that barely moved the needle anywhere outside of the city limits.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
With opponents as varied as Morocco, Haiti and Scotland to face in the group stage alone, Clement expects this World Cup to throw up different challenges from a coaching and tactical perspective.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 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
-
Greene argues that books are increasingly competing against entertainment options that didn’t exist in previous generations.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
-
But in a city that has to compete nationally with New York, Washington and Los Angeles for young talent, that advance from being merely a regional capital meant something here.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 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 demonstration, which had been previously organized by a hodgepodge of activist groups after weeks of negotiations with local authorities, was otherwise peaceful — with environmentalists, women’s rights advocates, supporters of Palestinians and foes of imperialism, fascism and capitalism.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
But in the meantime, the team has gotten an update on a familiar face courtesy of their long-time regional foe.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
14 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 21 Jun. 2026.
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