RIVALING Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

rivaling 1 of 2

adjective

variants or rivalling

as in competitive

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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

In several areas of science and technology, China is now rivaling or surpassing the United States. — H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 The interior features an upscale design, advanced MBUX Superscreen, and intuitive driver-assistance technology, rivaling even higher-end Mercedes models in ambiance. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Strappy sandals with cool toe-ring details, are rivaling flip-flops as the shoe of summer. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 16 July 2026 Subaru has recently made headlines for its reliability rivaling top automakers like Honda and Toyota. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 15 July 2026 These linen-blend pants feel as soft as a cloud against your skin, rivaling your favorite pair of pajama pants. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 Fireworks from formal rocket shows to impromptu street celebrations can create extremely unhealthy air quality, sometimes rivaling what comes from wildfires. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Weddings are among the biggest financial expenses that couples will face, with costs rivaling those of buying a car. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 1 July 2026 People over 40 with obesity appear to have both their blood pressure and cholesterol under control at levels rivaling their peers with normal body mass index, research published Wednesday in the Lancet has found. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivaling

Adjective

Having been signed in January, and impressed in pre-season, complications with his registration meant he was set to be blocked from featuring in competitive games until his 18th birthday in January 2027.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
The beach volleyball power couple is competing in the AVP Manhattan Beach Open this weekend, continuing to focus on the competitive volleyball circuit that first brought them together.

— Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of competitive

Verb

Iran and the United States are doubling down on competing claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz, but the reality is more nuanced than either side is willing to admit.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Several schools were competing at the track event when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of competing

Adjective

Corey Seager hit an opposite-field homer in the third inning as four Texas pitchers combined for a one-hitter.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
García wasn’t the last Yankee to take Bradish deep in the sixth, as Spencer Jones followed with an opposite field, bases-empty blast.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposite

Verb

Her absence — along with DNPs from multiple key Liberty starters — contributed to a contending team entering Thursday in a three-way tie for sixth place in league standings.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
While the competition is still several weeks out, some of the first marmots in the competition have already been introduced on the contending marmots Instagram.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of contending

Adjective

The commission has historically acted in a quasi-independent role from presidential administrations, with the president's party holding three seats and the opposing party two.

— David Folkenflik, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
Some of the loudest opposing voices are creatives, who see the products being created by AI companies as something threatening to their own practice and to the world at-large.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposing

Browse Nearby Words

rivaled

rivaling

rivalries

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Rivaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivaling. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rivaling

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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