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

Cochran paired up with fellow North Carolinian Diaz and twin competitor Brandon Deardon to tackle a flight of seafood created with caviar, scallop and grouper that landed them among the bottom chefs. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026

To help resolve these dilemmas, European industry leaders are calling for government support, including subsidies and tax breaks, to level the playing field with Chinese competitors whose products come at unbeatable prices. —Andy Browne, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Several competitors are also rapidly expanding. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026

The stainless steel headband gives the headphones greater strength than the plastic of many competitors. —Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 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