Word Explorer

Rival

/ˈɹaɪvəl/

A competitor (person, team, company, etc.) with the same goal as another, or striving to attain the same thing. Defeating a rival may be a primary or necessary goal of a competitor.

Full Dictionary Entry

📖 Definitions of "Rival"

noun

1
A competitor (person, team, company, etc.) with the same goal as another, or striving to attain the same thing. Defeating a rival may be a primary or necessary goal of a competitor.
"Chris is my biggest rival in the 400-metre race."
2
Someone or something with similar claims of quality or distinction as another.
"As a social historian, he has no rival."
3
One having a common right or privilege with another; a partner.

verb

1
To oppose or compete with.
"to rival somebody in love"
2
To be equal to, or match, or to surpass another.
3
To strive to equal or excel; to emulate.

adjective

1
Having the same pretensions or claims; standing in competition for superiority.
"rival lovers; rival claims or pretensions"

🔄 Synonyms of "Rival"

8 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
touchnoun	Primarily physical senses.
matchnoun	(sports) A competitive sporting event such as a boxing meet (commonly called a "bout"), a baseball game, or a cricket match.
competitionnoun	(uncountable) The action of competing.
contendernoun	Someone who competes with one or more other people.
competitornoun	A person or organization against whom one is competing.
equalverb	The same in value (status, merit, etc): having or deserving the same rights or treatment.
competing	Being in the state of competition (often unintentionally).
challengernoun	One who challenges; especially, one who plays against the current champion of a game or contest in hopes of winning and becoming the new champion.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Rival"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
competitornoun	A person or organization against whom one is competing.
competitory	(dated) Acting in competition or rivalry.
challengernoun	One who challenges; especially, one who plays against the current champion of a game or contest in hopes of winning and becoming the new champion.
competitionnoun	(uncountable) The action of competing.
competingverb	Being in the state of competition (often unintentionally).
contendernoun	Someone who competes with one or more other people.
competitive	Of or pertaining to competition.
touchnoun	Primarily physical senses.
equalverb	The same in value (status, merit, etc): having or deserving the same rights or treatment.
matchnoun	(sports) A competitive sporting event such as a boxing meet (commonly called a "bout"), a baseball game, or a cricket match.
rivalrynoun	An ongoing relationship between (usually two) rivals who compete for superiority.
viernoun	One who vies for something.
competeverb	To be in battle or in a rivalry with another for the same thing, position, or reward; to contend.
challengenoun	A confrontation; a dare.
feudingnoun	Participation in feuds.
competitivenessnoun	The state of being competitive.
confrontational	Pertaining to a confrontation; characterized by, or given to initiating hostile encounter; in-your-face.
contestnoun	(countable) A competition.
disputingnoun	dispute; argument
embattled	(figuratively) Subject to or troubled by attacks, controversy, or pressure.