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
Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 22 May 2026
Colbert’s late night rivals-slash-friends arrived to help.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Prosecutors argue Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin were part of rival groups that challenged each other, while defense attorneys contend the shooting was self-defense triggered by Sergio Harris.
—Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026
Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2026
However, the discount chain was struggling well before the war, losing ground to rival Walmart.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rival
Noun
Since the start of 2024, Sinner is 164-7 in matches that weren’t against his rival.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 22 May 2026
Colbert’s late night rivals-slash-friends arrived to help.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Adjective
The demonstration took place on the same day as a large pro-Palestinian Nakba Day march elsewhere in central London, prompting one of the Metropolitan Police's largest public order operations in recent years amid fears of clashes between rival groups.
—Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Prosecutors argue Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin were part of rival groups that challenged each other, while defense attorneys contend the shooting was self-defense triggered by Sergio Harris.
—Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026
Verb
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has highlighted AI as the tentpole of the company’s future, projecting a multi-trillion-dollar market opportunity that rivals the total value of all US economic activity.
—Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2026
However, the discount chain was struggling well before the war, losing ground to rival Walmart.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
-
That’s basically the equivalent of how much data Formula 1 moves every single race weekend.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
-
Special shout-out to the writers’ room for giving us a high-tension cold open and then segueing immediately post-credits to the Titan equivalent of a family road trip where Mom and Dad are pedantic geniuses arguing over what route to take to the beach.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Another candidate was an outspoken opponent, contending that the project was a sop to developers.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Sunday marked the second time this season that the Fever held an opponent to 78 points, which fittingly coincides with the team’s two wins.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Collins’s main competitors are Derek Dooley, the former head coach of the football programs at Louisiana Tech and the University of Tennessee, and Buddy Carter, another Georgia congressman.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
19 May 2026
-
Viola’s reaction spotlighted growing frustration among competitors who believe the ruling body is using procedural fixes to avoid addressing biological differences in girls' sports.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
As such, the Tax Foundation ranks Florida fifth on its State Tax Competitiveness Index, reflecting a competitive overall structure.—
Nicole Huyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
His successor, Bob Bradley, emphasized discipline, fitness and accountability, maintaining competitive standards while instilling a resilient team mentality.—
Clemente Lisi,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
And before this win, Rai was expecting to have to compete on the PGA Tour’s fall schedule to work his way up the FedEx Cup rankings.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
The program also ensured any female athlete who finished one spot out of qualifying for the state finals in events that included a trans competitor, to compete for the title as well.—
Jackson Thompson OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
As the counterpart to the Triple White colorway, the Triple Black Air Force 1 is simultaneously held up as a classic and described as a go-to for nefarious characters.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
-
In many ways, the Cult Gaia man exists as a counterpart to the Cult Gaia woman.—
Karin Eldor,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Philly’s fans show out like few others can, and they’ll be leveled up in the presence of such familiar foes.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
-
But Sean Payton’s team was also abnormally good in one-score games, won its final two against division foes without their starting quarterbacks, played a third-place schedule and stayed fairly healthy — until overtime of the divisional round, at least.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Barring an Eric Swalwell-style blow-up, the top three — Becerra, Steyer and Hilton — are really the only true contenders.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
King is more likely to be a lock for the practice squad than a legitimate contender for the 53-man roster entering OTAs.—
Mike Kaye
Updated May 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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