rival 1 of 3

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
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

rival

2 of 3

adjective

rival

3 of 3

verb

as in to compete
to engage in a contest two longtime friends who have rivaled for the same things at every stage of their lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Noun
In at least one case, the governor has viewed an open presidential post as an opportunity to move a rival out of Tallahassee. Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 Farley said if tariffs level the playing field in the States against foreign rivals, that's a good thing. Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Yet, there are major lessons here for rival studios in how Warner Bros, post Barbie, has been able to energize social media, and target digital ads, to create an unforeseen blockbuster. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025 The protests were met with rival rallies by left-wing parties and groups on the opposite side of Paris. Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
Scientists say the discovery rivals one of the largest discoveries of meteorites nearly 50 years prior. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 And the country’s oldest operational producer—Yerevan Brandy, named for the country’s capital—is exporting products that rival some of the world’s best aged grape spirits. David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
  • Just because of his style, Muhammad hasn't been much of a finisher to date in his MMA career, but he's got the kind of style that's great for breaking down opponents over time.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Similarly, no Villa player has received as many passes in high areas, with Emery constructing a build-up style designed to funnel the ball past the opponents’ midfield and in to Rogers.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Among users of listings apps, Zillow commands 64% of all traffic, more than four times its closest competitor, Realtor.com.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Lawyers for Meta told a federal judge on Monday that the social media company founded by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg is not a monopoly, countering a landmark lawsuit brought against it by the Federal Trade Commission accusing the tech giant of gobbling up its competitors to corner the market.
    Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The addition of stunt design brings the total number of competitive categories to 25 — a thrilling signal that the Academy is embracing long-overdue change, driven not by trend, but by truth: These artists, who exist in every facet of our favorite movies, are essential to the storytelling process.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • In North Africa’s vibrant and competitive pop and hip-hop landscape, Manal has carved out a powerful lane of her own—one defined by bold storytelling, cultural pride and a steadfast commitment to centering women.
    Nour Ezzedine, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Then the Fire, in an independent Central Hockey League, competed at the Fort Worth Convention Center from 1992 to 1999.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Photo of the day: The relief of sticking the landing Team USA star Jordan Chiles and the UCLA Bruins will compete for an NCAA title Saturday after advancing out of their semifinal session at the 2025 gymnastics championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Ukraine and Russia agreed on March 18 to stop attacking each other's energy facilities, although President Vladimir Putin declined to endorse a full 30-day ceasefire that his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump had hoped would be a first step toward a permanent peace deal.
    Reuters, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In a reciprocal show of respect, Lee handed over his ceremonial sword to Grant, only to have his counterpart return it.
    Made by History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the comics, Muse uses the blood of his victims to create his art and is a particularly difficult foe for Daredevil because of his powers.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Give me Tennesee to cover without too much trouble against a UCLA team that dominated its first-round foe, Utah State, but went just 23-10 (13-7 Big Ten) this year.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Chicago Cubs have done a lot to shape their team into a postseason contender over the last few months, and, to this point, it's paid off quite well.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Cleveland would be a sizable underdog to Boston in a potential ECF, but this team is a legit contender.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, competing services are on the launchpad, including from rival billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Amazon.
    Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Washington may face even greater competing crises today than in 2005, when Bush launched the country’s influenza strategy.
    Caitlin Rivers, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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