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

Ecuador seemed intent on rivalling that number. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 21 June 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 According to Karen Larson, co-founder of Soake Pools, homeowners have long been looking for ways to bring resort-style amenities under their own roof, but this season, the cocktail pool is rivaling the saunas and hot tubs of years’ past. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The backstory This was one of the original luxury hotels in town, opening in 2005, when Doha was just beginning its journey to become a mega destination rivaling Dubai and Abu Dhabi. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026 The SpringHill Company is among the most productive production banners founded by an athlete, rivaling Peyton Manning’s Omaha and Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 Bluesky’s Chief Operating Officer Rose Wang told CNBC that the site saw its future not in rivalling X, but in taking inspiration from the online community forum Reddit. — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 4 June 2026 Reported Ebola cases have surged above 1,000 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and health experts are warning this could be one of the worst outbreaks, rivaling the largest on record, which killed 11,365 people in West Africa from 2014 to 2016. — Rael Ombuor, Washington Post, 24 June 2026 Using advanced-laser enrichment technology, LIS aims to bring online its LIST Island facility in Tennessee by the end of 2032, rivaling Urenco’s New Mexico plant in capacity. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 13 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivaling

Adjective

For sure, the old philosophy that all athletes with heart conditions should not play competitive sports is outdated and not correct.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Under owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have resisted rebuilding, preferring to add lower-tier free agents and rush college players to the major leagues in an effort to field a competitive roster.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of competitive

Verb

Soft whites, grays, and chalky pastels allow the flooring to shine without competing for attention.

— Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
The announcement of a new country competing, the first of its kind since Eurovision welcomed Australia in 2015, arrived on Wednesday, one day ahead of the country’s Canada Day holiday.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026

Definition of competing

Adjective

On the opposite side of the lobby is SparkHouse, a private members club and creative hub for up-and-coming musicians and creatives.

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
One of them, Paul Skenes, pitched opposite Wheeler on Wednesday for the second time this season.

— Matt Gelb, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of opposite

Verb

As the trade deadline approaches, though, contending teams will surely be calling the Red Sox about Chapman.

— Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Meanwhile, James floated the idea publicly about ending his career in Cleveland and publicly praised the LA Rams for dealing draft picks to ensure a Super Bowl-contending team.

— Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of contending

Adjective

Now, for the first time since signing elsewhere, Bichette is preparing to return to Rogers Centre as an opposing player, creating one of the most anticipated moments on Toronto's schedule.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
After Johnson directly introduced the ordinance into the Housing Committee, a rare move designed to prevent opponents from delaying debate, aldermen now stand between the two opposing sides.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rivaling

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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