1
as in equivalent
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 opponent
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 competitor
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
as in competitive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of rival
Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Dec. 2024
Barkley has proven to be the best signing of the offseason after the Philadelphia Eagles inked him to a three-year deal after six seasons with the division rival New York Giants.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024
Jimmy Durkin, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Albertsons on Wednesday called off its $24.6 billion merger with Kroger, a day after a judge temporarily blocked the union, and sued the rival grocery chain for breach of contract.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2024
William Gavin, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024
Thousands of fans from all over the world tuned in to these unofficial livestreams every night of the tour, commenting, screaming, and searching for Swift Easter eggs together — and thus creating a sense of community and joy rivaled only by the vibes of an actual concert.
—Lauren Huff, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival 
Noun
Republican 2024 primary rival Nikki Haley, who clashed with Ramaswamy on the debate stage repeatedly, objected to his statement.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 27 Dec. 2024
Barkley has proven to be the best signing of the offseason after the Philadelphia Eagles inked him to a three-year deal after six seasons with the division rival New York Giants.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
He’s been personally focused on things like individual player performance and Canucks systems, and it’s been from the perspective of an assistant coach working for a rival team conducting a pre-scout on the Canucks to help prepare his team for two head-to-head matchups per season.
—Jimmy Durkin, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
Albertsons on Wednesday called off its $24.6 billion merger with Kroger, a day after a judge temporarily blocked the union, and sued the rival grocery chain for breach of contract.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
The Max is a rival to Porsche’s Taycan EV, while the Ultra has been priced to rival Tesla’s Model S Plaid.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024
Thousands of fans from all over the world tuned in to these unofficial livestreams every night of the tour, commenting, screaming, and searching for Swift Easter eggs together — and thus creating a sense of community and joy rivaled only by the vibes of an actual concert.
—Lauren Huff, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
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But against a formidable opponent — the type Seattle would have to beat to contend for a title — Smith didn’t put his best foot forward.Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
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Firstly, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whom Paul said spent more than $30 million trying to defeat his opponents who voted him out last year.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Usyk 1 Results & Recap: When the fight opened, the two competitors looked to establish their attacks.Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
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Riot is being lapped by its competitors for failing to capitalize on the massive opportunity presented by leasing capacity to hyperscalers.Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Over the three days, participants will undergo a series of evaluations, including anthropometric and athletic tests, skill development sessions, and competitive 5-on-5 games.Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
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Until some team wins 500 games in a row and forces the league to shudder for lack of competitive interest or something like that, this will continue to be the case.Nick Suss, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Her internal harem houses competing feminine archetypes that dance and battle for dominance like shadows cast on ancient walls.Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025
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For the first time in its 124 years, the Rose Bowl will feature two teams from the same conference competing against one another.Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
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New data from TransUnion shows Zoomers are using credit cards to make ends meet more than their Millennial counterparts did at the same stage of life.Lindsey Downing, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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Negro said the research did not investigate hunting success in relation to plumage color, but earlier research had suggested that whiter barn owls were more efficient hunters than their darker counterparts during a full moon.Katie Hunt, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Longtime Southwest Conferences foes Texas Tech and Arkansas get reacquainted in the Liberty Bowl.Dan Santaromita, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
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The latest fracas between bickering foes India and Pakistan has finally ended after a resolution was resolved following months of warring almost jeopardized the upcoming Champions Trophy.Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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If a couple of blockbusters do come to fruition before Sasaki is posted, the idea of Boston as a championship contender may not seem so farfetched.Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024
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The team was a playoff contender because the competitive equity rankings count not just wins and losses, but strength of schedule.Joe Mathews, The Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Having an affordable and competing way to watch movies at home has changed some moviegoers’ habits.Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
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Both militant groups are active in the region and have issued competing claims in thee past.Riaz Khan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
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