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

The program also ensured any female athlete who finished one spot out of qualifying for the state finals in events that included a trans competitor, to compete for the title as well. —Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026

Freeman, ever the competitor, tried to get Roberts to reconsider, but the Dodgers manager held firm. —Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026

The strangest demand signal Subramanian described is one a payments competitor will recognize but few will admit to. —Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026

On tax incentives and production rebates, an area where competitors including South Korea and Thailand have moved aggressively, Zon acknowledges Indonesia is still developing its architecture. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2026

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