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

Other competitors like Surge AI, Handshake and Micro1 have helped mint a new class of young, ultra-wealthy tech founders. —Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

Elsewhere on Monday —As the Alpine skiing reaches its penultimate event, the weather made the men’s slalom course very difficult with only 44 of 96 competitors earning a score. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

The ice climbing event, which attracted more than 7,000 spectators over two days last year, showcases the competitive side of the sport with more than 100 competitors coming from around the world. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026

Her training and goals were on track as a national competitor until back and shoulder pain started slowing her down. —Marielle Mohs, CBS News, 17 Feb. 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