competitor

noun

com·​pet·​i·​tor kəm-ˈpe-tə-tər 

: one that competes: such as

a

: rival

a fierce competitor on the soccer field

b

: one selling or buying goods or services in the same market as another

offering lower prices than our competitors

c

: an organism that lives in competition with another

The squid population increased dramatically when food competitors were depleted by heavy overfishing.

Synonyms of competitor

• contestant
• contender
• rival
• challenger

Examples of competitor in a Sentence

We offer better rates than our competitors.

There were more than 500 competitors in the race.

Recent Examples on the Web

Southwest risks losing loyalty among plus-size travelers to competitors like Alaska Airlines, which maintains its refund policy for extra seats for customers of size. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

At races, competitors are strictly grouped by age and skill level. —Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

Discovery was simply an effort to hike the price for its competitors who were eager to acquire WBD assets. —Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025

So the coach has been sure to not let there be any assuming this week, especially since Boise State has owned UNLV, winning every game the teams have played as Mountain West competitors. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see competition

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

competitor

noun

com·​pet·​i·​tor kəm-ˈpet-ət-ər 

: one that competes especially in the selling of goods or services : rival