RIVALING Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

rivaling 1 of 2

adjective

variants or rivalling

as in competitive

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

rivaling

2 of 2

verb

variants or rivalling

present participle of rival

as in competing

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 rivaling

Verb

At the time, the rapper was signed to Knight's Death Row Records, which was associated with the Bloods gang, while Davis was a leader of the rivaling South Side Crips. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 In several areas of science and technology, China is now rivaling or surpassing the United States. — H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026 The interior features an upscale design, advanced MBUX Superscreen, and intuitive driver-assistance technology, rivaling even higher-end Mercedes models in ambiance. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Strappy sandals with cool toe-ring details, are rivaling flip-flops as the shoe of summer. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 16 July 2026 These linen-blend pants feel as soft as a cloud against your skin, rivaling your favorite pair of pajama pants. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 Fireworks from formal rocket shows to impromptu street celebrations can create extremely unhealthy air quality, sometimes rivaling what comes from wildfires. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Weddings are among the biggest financial expenses that couples will face, with costs rivaling those of buying a car. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 1 July 2026 People over 40 with obesity appear to have both their blood pressure and cholesterol under control at levels rivaling their peers with normal body mass index, research published Wednesday in the Lancet has found. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivaling

Adjective

Having Maxx Crosby back on the field will help, but improvements need to be made if the Raiders want to be competitive.

— Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The competitive edge lies in how AI supports and amplifies human responsiveness, ensuring customers feel valued and heard, rather than just interacting with bots.

— John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of competitive

Verb

Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
The battle for Charlotte’s wealth Charlotte’s hometown banking giants like Truist and Bank of America, as well as San Francisco’s Wells Fargo, are competing with aggressive out-of-state newcomers to capture clients.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of competing

Adjective

Her husband, Bobby Lane, was driving Otwell and their two children from their Wilmar home to the Walmart in Monticello when an Arkansas State Police cruiser coming the opposite direction began behaving erratically.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
Maine’s senators, from opposite parties, agree Maine’s congressional delegation has been unusually unified for a state represented by one Republican and one independent who caucuses with Democrats.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposite

Verb

Boston Bruins The Bruins have an average at best roster and farm system, and trying to win while rebuilding on the fly is something that usually backfires more often than leading to a contending team.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Kiley turned the criticism around, contending that his willingness to work with both parties was a strength.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of contending

Adjective

Federal immigration officials have also issued an arrest warrant for Godoy Alfaro, accusing him of assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding or interfering with a federal officer.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
During training camp and the preseason, Reich has used his tight ends in various ways to exploit opposing defenses.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposing

Browse Nearby Words

rivaled

rivaling

rivalries

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Rivaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivaling. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rivaling

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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