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 of rival in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2024
The first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump only marginally shifted the 2024 election polls, despite a consensus agreement that Harris outperformed her Republican rival.
—Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Sep. 2024
Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024
Whipsaw bargaining and whipsaw strikes allow workers to play rival retailers off of each other.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 16 Sep. 2024
Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024
Somehow over the past few years, streaming services, once considered a cost-effective way to watch TV, have become so expensive that getting a handful to watch your favorite shows can rival your cable bill.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival 
Noun
These simple clogs rival the fit, feel, and style of designer shoes, according to one shopper.
—Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2024
The first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump only marginally shifted the 2024 election polls, despite a consensus agreement that Harris outperformed her Republican rival.
—Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Mike O’Malley, who was also the series showrunner, starred in the role of Charlie Gully, a rival promoter.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024
Whipsaw bargaining and whipsaw strikes allow workers to play rival retailers off of each other.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 16 Sep. 2024
Verb
Budd makes beautiful, timeless, pajama sets—with detailing, like that found on the shirt sleeve cuffs—that rivals much ready-to-wear menswear on the market.
—Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024
Somehow over the past few years, streaming services, once considered a cost-effective way to watch TV, have become so expensive that getting a handful to watch your favorite shows can rival your cable bill.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rival
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rival.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
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