1
as in counterparts
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 opponents
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 competitors
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
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 rivals
Nikole Killion, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The short, but so far rather sweet, voyage of the Chelsea Under-21 boss at the first-team helm will feature one last stop just across the Thames against west London rivals Fulham.
—Jack Bantock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The problem is amplified both because Musk pitches his chatbot as an edgier alternative to rivals with more safeguards, and because Grok’s images are publicly visible, and can therefore be easily spread.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
The first season is inspired by the second installment of Reid’s series by focusing on the steamy and secret affair of arch rivals, Storrie’s Rozanov of the Boston Raiders and Williams’ Shane Hollander of the Montreal Metros.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
The game was intense — the Lyons Township High School Lions were up against their arch rivals, the Hinsdale Central Bulldogs.
—Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Sea’s operating expenses also jumped by 28%, as its e-commerce arm Shopee tries to strengthen its competitive edge of rivals like Alibaba’s Lazada and ByteDance’s TikTok Shop.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
Blasts in the capitals of India and Pakistan raised tensions between the neighboring rivals.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025
In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
Sam Joseph, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Fans have a new sweet to round out their Burger King meals that rivals a classic McDonald’s menu item.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to hosting NFC North rivals Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants.
—Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
DeepSeek startled Silicon Valley last year with a model that rivals ChatGPT but built with far less money and computing muscle.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
While the script offers a disappointing lack of depth for Wally’s interior life, Tyler’s performance pushes against that limitation, offering a kind of magnetism that rivals Chalamet’s career-defining turn.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
Lucky for us, we are surrounded by some of California’s most underrated wine regions, and a handful of producers make sparkling wine that rivals what comes from Europe.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 26 Dec. 2025
The defense is much better when Gobert is on the floor, and his defensive impact rivals that of anyone in the Association.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
Chief rivals McDonald’s and Burger King also reported sluggish sales earlier this year as consumers cut back spending.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
At certain points, Pelosi and Hoyer were seen as rivals vying for the speakership — a role that only Pelosi ended up securing.
—Nikole Killion, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
The short, but so far rather sweet, voyage of the Chelsea Under-21 boss at the first-team helm will feature one last stop just across the Thames against west London rivals Fulham.
—Jack Bantock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The problem is amplified both because Musk pitches his chatbot as an edgier alternative to rivals with more safeguards, and because Grok’s images are publicly visible, and can therefore be easily spread.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
The first season is inspired by the second installment of Reid’s series by focusing on the steamy and secret affair of arch rivals, Storrie’s Rozanov of the Boston Raiders and Williams’ Shane Hollander of the Montreal Metros.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 6 Jan. 2026
The game was intense — the Lyons Township High School Lions were up against their arch rivals, the Hinsdale Central Bulldogs.
—Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Sea’s operating expenses also jumped by 28%, as its e-commerce arm Shopee tries to strengthen its competitive edge of rivals like Alibaba’s Lazada and ByteDance’s TikTok Shop.
—Angelica Ang, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
Blasts in the capitals of India and Pakistan raised tensions between the neighboring rivals.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2025
In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
Before Tottenham’s 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth on Wednesday, Frank was photographed holding a small cup with the logo of Spurs’ rivals Arsenal on it.
—Sam Joseph, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Fans have a new sweet to round out their Burger King meals that rivals a classic McDonald’s menu item.
—Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
In addition to hosting NFC North rivals Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants.
—Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
DeepSeek startled Silicon Valley last year with a model that rivals ChatGPT but built with far less money and computing muscle.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026
While the script offers a disappointing lack of depth for Wally’s interior life, Tyler’s performance pushes against that limitation, offering a kind of magnetism that rivals Chalamet’s career-defining turn.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
Lucky for us, we are surrounded by some of California’s most underrated wine regions, and a handful of producers make sparkling wine that rivals what comes from Europe.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 26 Dec. 2025
The defense is much better when Gobert is on the floor, and his defensive impact rivals that of anyone in the Association.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025
Chief rivals McDonald’s and Burger King also reported sluggish sales earlier this year as consumers cut back spending.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivals
Noun
-
But the Hornets had a tough time shaking free from their conference counterparts.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After a shocking few weeks of first round and quarterfinal competition, semifinal opponents are set and the College Football Playoff national championship is just around the corner.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Both Isaacs boys pinned their opponents, as did DeLand’s Gerald ‘Taz’ Logan III, another dual-sport athlete.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Colloquial slang in reverence to the most maniacal competitors.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Cerdier added that Turkey is slowing down due to Asian competitors, while Western Europe is likely to remain stable, focusing on premium, sustainable and recycled denim rather than volume.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Cherry’s older brother, Taeshon, played collegiately and competes professionally overseas.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Sook also argued broadcast stations will continue to dominate political advertising sales, but faces stepped up competition from streaming services, where Nexstar competes with its NewsNation live TV streamer.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Both remain short of the team equivalents in the United States.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Dry cereal, such as Cheerios, Kix, Chex, or store-brand equivalents.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
21 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Cuba joined Iran, Russia and other foes of Washington in condemning the raid at the United Nations.—
Robert Muggah,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The Cardinals opened this season with wins over New Orleans and Carolina before dropping close games to division foes San Francisco and Seattle.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Speaking on condition of anonymity to protect relationships, numerous sources told Deadline that Apple TV’s Europe chief Jay Hunt, former BBC content boss Charlotte Moore, and ex-Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, are among the most serious contenders.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The Bucs were even Super Bowl contenders for a moment, until a division rival crushed their hope for a playoff berth.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Youngkin’s comments come after Democrats swept last night’s statewide and House of Delegates races in Virginia.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Detroit City Council races Along with a heated mayor's race, there are two open districts seats and two at-large seats up for grabs on the Detroit City Council.—
Detroit Free Press,
Freep.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivals. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share