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
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Recent Examples of rival
Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Tesla — Shares of the automaker dipped 1% after sales of Tesla cars in China fell 11.5% in January amid greater competition from Chinese rivals, which grew their sales during the period.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
Kevin Spencer, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
The San Diego Padres finished the 2024 season just a step or two behind the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Feb. 2025
Buoyed by Drive to Survive, the sport's reach rivals its popularity at any time in the past, despite having to compete with myriad more demands for our time.
—Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rival 
Noun
Alabama lost a thriller to Clemson but Hurts brought them right back to the same big game a year later against conference rival Georgia.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Tesla — Shares of the automaker dipped 1% after sales of Tesla cars in China fell 11.5% in January amid greater competition from Chinese rivals, which grew their sales during the period.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
According to revolutionary new research, some birds rival primates and even humans in their remarkable forms of intelligence.
—Kevin Spencer, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
The San Diego Padres finished the 2024 season just a step or two behind the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
Alumni and students from across the country came to witness history and, naturally, turn the parking lot into a tailgate that rivaled any homecoming.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Feb. 2025
Buoyed by Drive to Survive, the sport's reach rivals its popularity at any time in the past, despite having to compete with myriad more demands for our time.
—Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for rival
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rival
Noun
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The opponent: the San Diego Padres, who Snell played for for three seasons.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2025
-
His opponent, former all-star baseball player Steve Garvey, raised $20.36 million and spent $19.77 million.—
David Lightman,
Sacramento Bee,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In July 2023, Musk created his own OpenAI competitor, xAI (maker of Grok).—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
11 Feb. 2025
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Asked whether Musk is approaching his strategy to combat OpenAI from a position of insecurity, Altman agreed and belittled his competitor.—
David Goldman,
CNN,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The space is competitive as more apparel retailers from around the world gain a foothold in the U.S. The company also has room to grow its e-commerce operations, where Uniqlo lags many of its rivals.—
Christian Nunley,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2025
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State Senator Kelly Hancock, who sponsored the state’s 2017 autonomous-driving legislation, said the legislature wanted to promote the industry’s growth in a competitive marketplace and avoid barriers to entry.—
Chris Kirkham and Abhirup Roy,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Players have also received special invitations to compete in other majors, as is the case with Joaquin Niemann’s upcoming appearance at the Masters on April 10-13.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN,
6 Feb. 2025
-
The Hills alum and influencer Kayla Nicole were the only two of the 16 celebs competing to triumph on Wednesday's third season finale of the Fox show.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In the film, Elizabeth Sparkle (Moore) uses The Substance to create a younger counterpart, Sue (Qualley).—
Fred Topel,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2025
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Recent weeks saw the issue of bias in refereeing become a public debate between Madrid coach Ancelotti and his Atletico counterpart Diego Simeone, with both men snapping back and forth at each other at various times.—
Dermot Corrigan,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Thus the ending of the old monarch was properly marked by friends and foes alike.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The senior battled in the post, fronting and denying his much taller foe both good position and the ball in the fourth quarter of a pivotal Oakland Athletic League game.—
Christian Babcock,
The Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Almost all our judges loved this Car of the Year contender.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
11 Feb. 2025
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The final Oscar voting period has begun, and the year of multiple contenders has finally found its frontrunner.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Employees sometimes resent being affiliated with the larger department because of its sprawling, competing and sometimes politically charged activities.—
Frank J. Cilluffo,
The Conversation,
14 Jan. 2025
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Having an affordable and competing way to watch movies at home has changed some moviegoers’ habits.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Rival.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rival. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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