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
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rival
Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
The Warner Bros release scored 18 noms Monday, lapping its nearest rival, Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which got nine.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
The show, based on the Rachel Reid novel series, follows two rival hockey players who have animosity on the ice rink but share a secret romance behind closed doors.
—Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Rich Barak, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
In large cities such as Los Angeles and New York City, there are enough volatile organic chemicals from consumer products – paints, adhesives and personal care products – in the outdoor air to rival those produced by traffic and industry.
—Katelyn Richard, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rival
Noun
That includes losing to their bitter rivals with the biggest playoff collapse in franchise history.
—Adjective
As repression intensifies and rival factions maneuver, her ability to convert public support into political authority remains uncertain.
—Verb
The Tigers finished 10-4 last season, falling to rival Trinity in the Class 6A state semifinals.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
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What exactly constitutes the functional equivalent of life without parole is still up for debate.—
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The Ford Econoline 150 — Ryan called it the van equivalent of the F-150 pickup — provided a prime canvas for extras.—
Noun
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Emmer has been a staunch opponent of Walz for some time, whose antagonism for the governor heightened once Walz became the vice presidential running mate to former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.—
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Garrett faced multiple opponents on 90 percent of his pass rushing snaps prior to Week 18, per PFF.—
Noun
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Bannock plan pivots to condos Ahlquist is taking a different approach to downtown living than many competitors.—
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The xAI safety team, already small compared to its competitors, lost several staffers in the weeks leading up to the controversy.—
Adjective
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She was suspended for four years and stripped of all competitive results since that date.—
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Barkley and McCaffrey are incredibly competitive.—
Verb
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Much of the movie's story revolves around Marty's chaotic efforts to make enough money to travel to Japan and compete in a tournament there.—
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The Associated Press reported that the grim discovery underscores the tactics used by criminal groups competing for control of territory and trafficking routes, especially along the country’s coastline.—
Noun
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Minnesota guard Cade Tyson hit a game-tying 3-pointer with five seconds left, but Wisconsin counterpart John Blackwell sank a game-winning trey at the buzzer for a 78-75 win at Williams Arena.—
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Included in the investigations, which covered the period between 2018 and 2022, were reports of incidents involving the exposure of genitals, predatory behavior toward female service personnel by their male counterparts, and inappropriate behavior facilitated by the consumption of alcohol.—
Noun
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Trump believes exacting tariffs can be a useful tool in prodding friends and foes on the global stage to bend to his will.—
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Infiniti plays Willa in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, a girl whose revolutionary parents (DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor) face off against military foes.—
Noun
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Injuries, trade speculation, poor performances — the Devils were expected to return to Stanley Cup contender status this season and instead began Thursday morning in 13th place in the East, one spot in front of Ottawa.—
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Instead, Chiprut recommends opting for a countertop material that will patina nicely over time, citing marble and soapstone as two of her top contenders.—
Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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