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
Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Carla Granados, Branham flag football: The senior finished her season with two huge performances against San Jose rivals.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Nov. 2024
The decision comes just as rival media companies have recently been touting the success of their free video-streaming platforms.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
Families milled around, grabbing coffee at an in-house café before joining a worship service that could rival many small rock concerts.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival 
Noun
But for a franchise that has lagged behind its rivals for decades, a win could finally signal an era of relevance.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Carla Granados, Branham flag football: The senior finished her season with two huge performances against San Jose rivals.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
That cold killing was the main violence in the finale in a notable contrast to the first-season ending, which included a rival gang shooting bloodbath (won by Stallone's crew, of course).
—Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 17 Nov. 2024
The decision comes just as rival media companies have recently been touting the success of their free video-streaming platforms.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
Verb
Sony’s Bravia 9 is a beautiful flagship QLED TV with a panel that rivals comparable Hisense and TCL models in brightness, and a sleek design that includes its own spatial audio sound system with height channels.
—PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
Families milled around, grabbing coffee at an in-house café before joining a worship service that could rival many small rock concerts.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
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Meanwhile, opponents have said the bill would put vulnerable people, including the elderly and disabled, at risk of being coerced to end their lives to prevent being a burden on family members.Callie Patteson, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
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Run defense stinks Green Bay rushed for 102 yards in the first half, breaking a streak of three consecutive games in which the Dolphins allowed their opponent fewer than 100 yards rushing.Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This over-the-ear pair from Status Audio is engineered for sound and is friendly on the wallet, clocking in at a third of the price of some competitors.Matthew Medendorp, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024
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That's still good advice, as the GoPro ranks high on our list and is our top pick for most adventure-seeking photographers, but there are also some worthy competitors, some of which can do more than the GoPro.Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The project draws from Bawa’s personal experiences as a competitive swimmer navigating his Sikh identity.Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
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Voting closes shortly after the final competitive dance of each episode.Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Weeks of polling had showed the candidates competing in a razor-close election, but in the end Trump won over enough pivotal states with his focus on inflation and immigration.Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
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In September 2020, Wilson decided to make the switch and signed to compete in acrobatics and tumbling at Oregon.Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Australian filmmakers are more interested than ever in collaborating with Indian counterparts.Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
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Its counterpart, the Calming Serum, features mugwort and green tea, to reduce dermal irritation.Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Created by John Dilworth, the bizarrely endearing Cartoon Network show about an apprehensive pup facing strange foes to protect his beloved owner, Muriel, celebrates its 25th anniversary this month.Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024
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But Gulf states have significantly modified their foreign policies since, opting to limit their military interventions and reach out to former foes like Iran, while diversifying alliances in an increasingly multipolar world amid skepticism over the US’ role in the Middle East.Mostafa Salem, Nadeen Ebrahim and Mick Krever, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This left Jenna and Joey and Ilona and Alan as the final two contenders.Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
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In baseball, as the Angels and their fans know all too well, one player does not make your team a contender.Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Second gentleman Doug Emhoff will hold a competing political event in Tucson on the same day.Stephanie Murray, The Arizona Republic, 12 Sep. 2024
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Confusion reigned last week when the State Department, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Chinese consulate general made competing claims about the status of China’s top diplomat in New York.Jimmy Quinn, National Review, 10 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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