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
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 rival
Adam Goldman, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Beating fierce rivals like DeepSeek, Bytedance and Tencent, Alibaba scored a deal with Apple to incorporate AI technology into its iPhone products.
—Denni Hu, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025
The upcoming service will not only support T-Mobile customers but also consumers on rival carriers.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 18 Feb. 2025
Al Shipley, SPIN, 19 Feb. 2025
The Bears won’t emerge from this offseason with offensive and defensive lines ready to rival what the Eagles have built.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rival
Noun
In leading the agency, he would be asked to protect the country from terrorism, dangerous criminals and political corruption, along with the threats posed by global rivals like China and Russia.
—Adam Goldman, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Beating fierce rivals like DeepSeek, Bytedance and Tencent, Alibaba scored a deal with Apple to incorporate AI technology into its iPhone products.
—Denni Hu, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
In 2019, there were five high-profile security issues at the Golden complex, including a staff member arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography, multiple escapes by violent juveniles and a riot between rival gangs, which injured three staff members.
—Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2025
The upcoming service will not only support T-Mobile customers but also consumers on rival carriers.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
In 1968, Page finally got his group together with vocalist Robert Plant, bassist John Paul Jones, and John Bonham, who’d soon rival Moon as arguably one of rock’s greatest (and loudest) drummers.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 19 Feb. 2025
The Bears won’t emerge from this offseason with offensive and defensive lines ready to rival what the Eagles have built.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
-
But the Terps lost for the first time in five games and slipped to 16-2 this winter at Xfinity Center, falling at home to a league opponent for the first time this season and losing at home for the first time since a 78-74 setback to then-No. 15 Marquette on Nov. 15.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The big picture: The legislation is driving a deep wedge between the Democratic Party and the restaurant industry with supporters and opponents on both sides.—
John Frank,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
By leveraging this data, businesses can deliver more personalized experiences, improve customer satisfaction and stay ahead of competitors in understanding and addressing customer needs.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
-
But after years of explosive growth, craft brewers have struggled in the post-pandemic landscape amid a glut of competitors, with a number of high-profile brewery and taproom closings in the Chicago area.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
In a competitive year, the ASC nominated seven cinematographers in the feature film category.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Then came a five-game losing streak to close the season that included competitive defeats to Playoff teams Penn State and Oregon along with three embarrassing losses to former West foes.—
Jesse Temple,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
In today’s marketplace, government R&D in launch or space mobility needlessly competes against private capital.—
Charles Beames,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Frazer Harrison | Getty Images Two best actor nominees are competing for Oscar records, as noted by the BBC.—
Sarah Whitten,Sara Salinas,Russell Leung,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In terms of career OPS, the 25-year-old Guerrero has the edge over his counterpart, .863 to .856.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
22 Feb. 2025
-
Sixteen out of the total 20 car models saw a decline in EV prices compared to their ICE counterparts.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
With the finalists determined after Canada beat Finland 5-3 on Monday and the U.S. secured its spot with a 3-1 win over Canada on Saturday, there is plenty of hype, both among star players and eager fans, heading into the battle between the North American foes.—
Alex Andrejev,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Trump is also a fan of dramatic videos and social media posts that depict him and his allies dominating their foes.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Rising Brazilian featherweight contender Jean Silva wants his next UFC assignment to be against Bryce Mitchell, and he's promised to make the controversial contender pay for his recent comments.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
-
But in the seven seasons since Sampson got things rolling in 2018, Houston has arguably been better than Kansas and most perennial contenders: No program has won more games or more regular season conference titles.—
CJ Moore,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Employees sometimes resent being affiliated with the larger department because of its sprawling, competing and sometimes politically charged activities.—
Frank J. Cilluffo,
The Conversation,
14 Jan. 2025
-
Having an affordable and competing way to watch movies at home has changed some moviegoers’ habits.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Dec. 2024
Articles Related to rival
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share