rivaling 1 of 2

variants or rivalling

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
Guests dressed their best for the soiree in stylish numbers rivaling the Met Gala. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 Less than a month later, American Priorities was created in February with the intention of rivaling the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the country’s largest pro-Israel advocacy organization, in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026 Icotyde is the first oral drug in the IL-23 inhibitor class to hit the market, rivaling best-selling shots such as J & J's Tremfya and AbbVie's Skyrizi. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 By The Numbers Julia Robert’s & Leonardo DiCaprio MELANIA delivered extraordinary theatrical drawing power, rivaling some of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, the proliferation of large new data centers is rivaling inflation and the Iran war as midterm political issues--and, like them, is hurting the Republicans. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026 The combined company will be a giant in the entertainment business, rivaling only Disney and Netflix in terms of scale. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 The only thing that came close to rivaling the fashion fun on the catwalk was the major star power in the front row. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 So, Wembanyama’s versatility is already rivaling that of one of the greatest offensive stretches in NBA history. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivaling
Adjective
  • If the answer is yes, the efficiency gain may be a competitive loss in disguise.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Races in the Texas House include potentially competitive races for House District 94 in east Tarrant County and House Districts 96 and 97 in the county’s southern half.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Two former prime ministers under Macron, Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, are in the race; Philippe is competing with Mélenchon for second place, while Attal trails both.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In the Actors’ Playhouse production, directed by David Arisco, its competing forces find expression in the performances, the costumes, choreography and even the arrangement of the set.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In conference rooms and attempts at collective action alike, these two opposite ends of the supply chain often have different agendas and different ideas of success, and many speak different languages — literally and figuratively.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers have used this tool, known as a feeling thermometer, for decades to measure how Americans feel about different groups, including people of color, gay and lesbian people and members of the opposite political party.
    — Jesse Rhodes, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Netflix film, which premiered at New York Film Festival earlier this month, is one of 10 Oscar-contending feature documentaries included in Doc Stories’ lineup.
    — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Forecasting the Field The Olivias are contending for the top spots this year.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Its use during the exercise simulated an attack against an opposing naval force.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Splitter praises his movement on and off the ball, which seems to visibly confuse opposing defenses.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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