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

Calcium is another competitor for iron. —Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026

While Flexjet sold 20 Challenger 300s to Baker Aviation last year, those types of deals can backfire - essentially providing arms to a competitor. —Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

And right now, our competitors aren’t waiting for us. —Paul Meador, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026

In Sweden’s premium furniture segment alone, more than half of our competitors have closed down or filed for bankruptcy in the past four years. —Axel Söderberg, Fortune, 13 June 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