rivaled

variants or rivalled
past tense of rival
as in competed
to engage in a contest two longtime friends who have rivaled for the same things at every stage of their lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 rivaled But Luca remembers his trip to Euro 2024 and a sight that rivalled another smaller, more celebrated nation. Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 June 2026 The highly advanced Neolithic-Chalcolithic society in Eastern Europe became world-renowned for its massive mega-sites that rivaled the earliest cities of Mesopotamia in size. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026 Her unconditional love rivaled that of the most loyal golden retriever. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 Osgood’s popularity was rivaled only by ABC Radio personality Paul Harvey. Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 The grandeur of fantasy at our fingertips, Mario’s essence blown up to galactic proportions, has yet to be rivaled. Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026 On May 2, its number of flight cancellations rivaled that of the dying Spirit Airlines. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026 Its growth was rivaled by Getty Images, which strove to remain in competition with Corbis. Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026 Stretching up to 62 feet long, the ancient predator dwarfed modern giant squid and may have rivaled some of the most formidable hunters of the Cretaceous oceans. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivaled
Verb
  • Their mother, Regina Rajchrtová, is a former professional tennis player who competed for Czechoslovakia in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • The fan favorite, who has competed four times across the franchise, was asked to audition for both her role of DeeDee, but also Hytes’ role, Amber.
    Matthew Huff, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • But organizers contended that a union would give them the legal right to a seat at the table in decisions about their jobs.
    Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • Charter leaders and advocates have contended that charters are underfunded by CPS compared to district-run schools.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • These two great rivals never raced each other again.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • After exchanging blows, the youngster raced on to a Djokovic drop shot before exquisitely returning with a faint backhand of his own, leaving his opponent with his hands on his knees in disbelief.
    Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rivaled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivaled. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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