Synonyms for

Rival

Verb / ˈraɪvʌl / Another word for rival — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a person or thing that tries to defeat or be more successful than another

Synonyms & similar words

match contender challenger touch competitor equal competition competitor opponent foe adversary challenger contender enemy antagonist combatant opposer rivalry contestant opposition struggle battle race match duel clash conflict

Synonyms by register

Formal

competitor contender opponent challenger

Informal

nemesis foe archrival opposite number

Literary

adversary antagonist oppugner

Antonyms

ally partner friend associate collaborator confederate

Common collocations

  • fierce rival
  • main rival
  • chief rival
  • close rival
  • bitter rival
  • business rival
  • political rival
  • arch rival

Word family

noun rivalry
verb rival
adjective rivalrous

Usage note

While 'rival' can refer to a competitor in a game or sport, it often carries a stronger sense of direct opposition or even animosity, especially in contexts like business or politics.

Example sentences

  1. Tom and Jerry are always rivals in their attempts to catch each other.
  2. The two basketball teams have been rivals for years, always competing fiercely against each other.
  3. My sister and I are rivals when it comes to getting better grades in school.
  4. The two companies are bitter rivals, constantly trying to outdo each other.
  5. John and his neighbor are friendly rivals when it comes to who has the best lawn on the block.

Quotes

  • 'I don't have rivals in my life.' - Lionel Messi
  • 'In literature as in ethics, there is danger, as well as glory, in being subtle. Aristocracy isolates us. Rivalry divides us. The democratic idea really embodies a true love of fellow-men. We want to share our ideas with the world, and we want to share other people's ideas with us.' - Oscar Wilde
  • 'I have no rivalry with anybody. It's not because I am modest, but because I don't have rivals. In the garage, the people that work with me are my team mates, not my rivals.' - Valentino Rossi

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