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
Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Many speculate that Bezos’ invitation for Trump to attend his wedding was a way to get on his good side as Blue Origin, like many of its rival space companies, relies on government contracts for steady income, credibility, and access to major U.S. space projects.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 30 June 2025
Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 29 June 2025
While Israel didn't play a direct role, his ouster removed another regional rival with close ties to Iran.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 28 June 2025
Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 30 June 2025
At 320 feet tall, the spacecraft rivals SpaceX's 400-foot Starship in size.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rival
Noun
As scores of people ran for cover, the shooter and her friends ran off, but moments later a male in that group turned and fired toward the rival group.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Many speculate that Bezos’ invitation for Trump to attend his wedding was a way to get on his good side as Blue Origin, like many of its rival space companies, relies on government contracts for steady income, credibility, and access to major U.S. space projects.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 30 June 2025
Verb
The family matriarch, Belle (Maria Bello), has been quietly making her own moves with her family's biggest rivals, the Parkers.
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 29 June 2025
While Israel didn't play a direct role, his ouster removed another regional rival with close ties to Iran.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 28 June 2025
Adjective
In a world where the tactile experience of clothing rivals its aesthetic appeal, consumers are on the lookout for garments that not only look good but offer exceptional sensation to the skin.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 30 June 2025
At 320 feet tall, the spacecraft rivals SpaceX's 400-foot Starship in size.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
-
This machinery radicalizes communities, recruits operatives, launders funds, and targets opponents abroad.—
Roya Boroumand,
Time,
9 July 2025
-
Siegemund has the ability to change the depth, speed, angles and spins of her shots over and over, which can frustrate any opponent and dull the type of power that Sabalenka brings to the court.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
There are other competitors in this field, including Boston Dynamics.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
What really sets Four Seasons apart from many of its competitors in the Boise area is a focus on dishes from Northern China.—
Michael Deeds
July 7,
Idaho Statesman,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The strategic approach of acquiring both brand equity and production capabilities positioned Hershey to compete more effectively against established salty snack manufacturers while maintaining the agility of an emerging player in the category.—
Shelley E. Kohan,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Canada in particular has used legislation to compel foreign digital platforms to hand over cash to help local producers compete against Hollywood by directly subsidizing local content.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
But, the spirit of competitive excellence from his team has fueled an unquenchable thirst .—
Danny Brewer,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
Considering the short window between series, MLB obviously would need to have this all planned out — from both a logistical and competitive perspective — well ahead of time.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
All of this determines why Le Bernardin is expensive, but not as much as many others in New York, and considerably less than Parisian counterparts.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Certain types of roofing materials are designed to reflect more sunlight than their counterparts, leading to cooler interiors.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
The Old Guard 2 (Netflix movie) Andy (Charlize Theron) and her team of immortal warriors face a powerful new foe.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
28 June 2025
-
President Donald Trump brokered an historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran on Monday, marking a dramatic pause in the most significant military confrontation between the two foes.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
This year, the race feels far less assured for far fewer contenders.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
7 July 2025
-
That cannot keep happening if the Packers are going to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
Abrego Garcia denies being a member of the gang and contends the charges don’t justify holding him in jail.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
4 July 2025
-
The 40-year-old James will give the Lakers a chance to reach Ayton, which, in turn, will give them a chance to contend for another championship.—
Dylan Hernández,
Los Angeles Times,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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