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

One key cog to race day is pacers and pacing groups, which Barden sorts out in January, once the competitors are confirmed. —Liam Tharme, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

But following elite competition is nearly impossible, with subtle flicks and jabs practically invisible to the naked eye—and competitors hidden behind masks. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 25 Apr. 2026

While the tower may be taller, NCL’s tallest slide will actually not be as high up as its competitor’s, coming in at 132 feet tall compared to 135 feet tall over at Royal Caribbean. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

Each knows how to make a case for themselves and land a blow on a competitor. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 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