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
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Recent Examples of rival
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
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
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
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
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That’s precisely why Boston is a matchup problem for nearly every opponent, but especially those with traditional drop-coverage big men.—
Shane Young,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
If the season ended Thursday night, the teams would be first-round opponents, though the seeding shuffling is far from over.—
Khobi Price,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Each frame is meticulously plotted by creator Mike White, the writer-director who moonlights as a reality show competitor (two cycles of The Amazing Race with his dad and one on Survivor, solo).—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2025
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It’s only been a year since the local chain opened its DFW Airport location, beating out big-league competitors like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 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
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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences pulled off an impressive feat by announcing — without any heads-up — that its Board of Governors approved an annual competitive Academy Award for Achievement in Stunt Design.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Eventually, some programs may decide that trying to compete isn't worth the expense, said Sam Ehrlich, a professor at Boise State University who tracks college sports litigation.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2025
-
This marks the show’s first time competing in the full-length variety talk category after previously entering in short form fields.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 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
-
Still, Red Sox manager Alex Cora was impressed with his Yankees foes.—
Brendan Kuty,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
-
My body, equipped with the primordial fear of starvation, was a formidable foe.—
Emma Pattee,
Glamour,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Still, the Democratic contenders notched a symbolic victory when Valimont carried Escambia County — a longtime GOP stronghold in presidential elections — a rare blue dot in the ruby-red district.—
Fin Daniel Gómez,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2025
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This will start to suss out some of the early contenders.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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