rivaling 1 of 2

variants or rivalling
Definition of rivalingnext

rivaling

2 of 2

verb

variants or rivalling
present participle of rival
as in competing
to engage in a contest two longtime friends who have rivaled for the same things at every stage of their lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rivaling
Verb
However, all these new options announced at GDC show Google wants to become a powerhouse in PC gaming, rivaling other storefronts. James Peckham, PC Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026 The Gulf Cooperation Council has pumped more than $100 billion into Africa over the last decade across energy, ports, logistics, and tech, dwarfing the US and rivalling Europe. semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Some world leaders are worried this potential narrative could lead to the board rivaling or sidelining the United Nations. Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Feb. 2026 That splurge — rivaling the costliest human endeavors in history — is borne out of ambitions to outdo their giant rivals in a field that could determine their futures. Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026 The poster for Godard’s film is a masterpiece, rivalling the clarity of the movie. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026 That splurge — rivaling the costliest human endeavors in history — is borne out of ambitions to outdo their giant rivals in a field that could determine their futures. Debby Wu, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026 Ten states representing 100 million Americans could create a surveillance network rivaling what the CDC provided. Robert B. Shpiner, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026 This is reflected in the local real estate market; Charlotte consistently ranks in the top three nationally for office leasing and absorption, rivaling much larger hubs like New York and Dallas. Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivaling
Adjective
  • The application process is competitive.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In a highly competitive environment, if Series Mania 2026 was anything to go by, a significant number of Europe’s top companies are driving into originality in order to score precious series orders.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans have attempted to drive a similar wedge over transgender politics, holding a vote last weekend on whether to restrict biological males from competing in women’s sports, but Democrats managed to stay united in opposing the legislation in a 49-41 vote.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Cherelus, Martin-Scott, Njongmeta and Windmon will all be competing for depth jobs.
    Mike Kaye March 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On the opposite side, losing population wouldn’t be a good thing either.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Neither of his fellow centre-backs Jaydee Canvot and Chadi Riad is anywhere near as capable or willing to carry the ball into midfield or play those long crossfield passes to set a player free on the opposite flank.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Many of his peers and former rivals have long since retired, burned out by the task of recruiting and coaching while also raising funds from boosters in order to build title-contending rosters.
    Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026
  • An Ohio congresswoman is asking a judge to issue an order to take Donald Trump‘s name off the Kennedy Center, contending that the board of the arts institution violated the law in that only Congress can make such a change.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As the volunteer soccer coach shouted words of motivation, one of his players nudged the ball past the opposing team's goalie and into the net, prompting the sideline to erupt in cheers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Carmel’s Emerson Larson isn’t the type of pitcher who can surprise an opposing lineup.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rivaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivaling. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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