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

There are few occasions that garner such good-willed camaraderie in New York City as the annual marathon, though the Knicks historic win this summer brought people out into the streets in rivaling numbers. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 Guests dressed their best for the soiree in stylish numbers rivaling the Met Gala. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 Less than a month later, American Priorities was created in February with the intention of rivaling the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the country’s largest pro-Israel advocacy organization, in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026 Icotyde is the first oral drug in the IL-23 inhibitor class to hit the market, rivaling best-selling shots such as J & J's Tremfya and AbbVie's Skyrizi. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026 By The Numbers Julia Robert’s & Leonardo DiCaprio MELANIA delivered extraordinary theatrical drawing power, rivaling some of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, the proliferation of large new data centers is rivaling inflation and the Iran war as midterm political issues--and, like them, is hurting the Republicans. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026 The combined company will be a giant in the entertainment business, rivaling only Disney and Netflix in terms of scale. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 So, Wembanyama’s versatility is already rivaling that of one of the greatest offensive stretches in NBA history. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivaling

Adjective

The prizes for Serielizados two competitive sections were announced Saturday night at a Serielizados awards ceremony.

— Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
The impact of higher fuel costs on demand and profits is also critical, as is the competitive landscape relative to UPS this holiday season.

— Kevin Stankiewicz,Zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of competitive

Verb

OpenAI’s Codex, Anthropic’s Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, and Cognition’s Devin are all competing for attention from developers.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Like other arts organizations, the theater faces financial challenges while competing with streaming services and other digital entertainment.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of competing

Adjective

In conference rooms and attempts at collective action alike, these two opposite ends of the supply chain often have different agendas and different ideas of success, and many speak different languages — literally and figuratively.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Researchers have used this tool, known as a feeling thermometer, for decades to measure how Americans feel about different groups, including people of color, gay and lesbian people and members of the opposite political party.

— Jesse Rhodes, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of opposite

Verb

But one thing is certain that is not going to be a walkover for any of the contending parties at all in this election.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
He’s thrived under pressure, delivering in tight spots while proving conducive to winning on multiple contending clubs.

— Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of contending

Adjective

The Jazz didn’t play a highlight reel during the game to welcome the center back, as many teams often do for a player who returns on an opposing team.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
Skattebo found a crease, lowered his helmet and ran over an opposing defender.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rivaling

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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