rival

1 of 3

noun

ri·​val ˈrī-vəl 

1

a

: one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess

were rivals for her affection

b

: one striving for competitive advantage

The teams are longtime rivals.

2

obsolete : companion, associate

3

: equal, peer

The news outlet is the rival of any in the world.

The company's latest model has no rival/rivals. [=the latest model is better than any others]

rival

2 of 3

adjective

: having the same pretensions or claims : competing

rival teams/gangs/candidates

rival

3 of 3

verb

rivaled or rivalled; rivaling or rivalling ˈrī-v(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to act as a rival : compete

transitive verb

1

: to be in competition with

rivaling teams

2

: to strive to equal or excel : emulate

attempting to rival their competition

3

: to possess qualities or aptitudes that approach or equal (those of another)

The new museum will rival any in the world.

Did you know?

On Rivals, Rivaling, and Rivalry

The word rival most commonly refers to a person or group that tries to defeat or be more successful than another person or group, which means that rivals tend to come in pairs. Candidates running for the same political office are political rivals, and two people trying to earn the exclusive affection of a third are romantic rivals. Teams, schools, or companies might be longtime rivals if they try over many years to outdo each other.

Rival can also mean “equal” or “peer.” When the word is used in this way it's usually conveying how good or impressive something or someone is. For example, "a country musician the rival of any in the world" is as good as the best country musicians in the world. Often a negating word is added to assert superiority, as in "a country musician without rival."

As a verb, rival typically has a meaning that relates to this latter sense of the noun. The verb is most often used to say that someone or something possesses qualities or aptitudes that approach or equal those of another. For example, for one country musician to be rivaling another, the first country musician must be as good as or nearly as good as the other musician. (Note that in U.S. English, the verb's forms are usually spelled rivaled and rivaling; in British English rivalled and rivalling are preferred.)

The noun rivalry has to do with the state or situation in which rivals (usually in the “competitor” sense) exist, or in which rivaling happens. In politics we have political rivalries, and in matters of the heart there are romantic rivalries. Sibling rivalry exists when there is competition or jealousy between sisters or brothers.

Synonyms of rival

Noun

• equivalent
• counterpart
• partner
• fellow
• colleague

Verb

• compete
• contend
• race

Examples of rival in a Sentence

Noun

The teams have been longtime rivals.

The men are romantic rivals for her affection.

Verb

The company manufactures paper that rivals the world's best.

The new museum will rival the largest in the world.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

What are my rivals doing with gen AI? —Harvard Business Review, 5 Nov. 2025

His legitimacy, lineage, gender and Protestant religion gave him the edge over his rivals, even if there were still doubts over the legality of his claim. —Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025

Adjective

Far from creating a cold, mechanical work experience, AI collaboration enhanced positive emotions in ways that rival human teamwork itself. —François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

With those two sitting in free agency, the Red Sox could look to steal Bichette from the rival Blue Jays to fill the massive hole on the left side of the infield. —Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Verb

According to recent data, Waymo’s market share now rivals that of Lyft. —Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025

In a bid to win more business, the company is reportedly working on a lower-cost laptop to rival the onslaught of Chromebooks and starter Windows PCs on the market. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin rivalis one using the same stream as another, rival in love, from rivalis of a stream, from rivus stream — more at run

First Known Use

Noun

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1592, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing rival

• mortal foe/rival

Rhymes for rival

• archival
• arrival
• revival
• survival
• conjunctival
• subconjunctival

Kids Definition

rival

1 of 3 noun

ri·​val ˈrī-vəl 

1

a

: one of two or more trying to get what only one can have

b

: competitor

2

: one that equals another : peer

rival

2 of 3 adjective

: of, relating to, or being a rival

rival

3 of 3 verb

rivaled or rivalled; rivaling or rivalling ˈrīv-(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to be in competition with

2

: to be as good as or almost as good as

manufacture linens that rival the world's best

Etymology

Noun

from early French rival "rival," from Latin rivalis "one using the same stream as another, a rival in love," from rivalis (adjective) "of a stream," from rivus "stream"

Word Origin

The English word rival can be traced to the Latin word rivus, meaning "a stream." From rivus came the Latin rivalis, which meant "one who uses the same stream as another." Those who must share a stream may argue about who has the right to use the water. Such disputes are common when two people want the same thing. The Latin word rivalis in time came to be used for other people who are also likely to fight with each other. It meant "a man in love with the same woman as another man." This sense of rivalis came into English as rival.