rival

1 one that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value a design that is a rival to any produced by a professional graphic artist Synonyms coequal, compeer, coordinate, counterpart, equivalent, fellow, like, match, parallel, peer, equalRelated Words analogue (or analog); double, half, mate, twin; associate, colleague, companion, copartner, partner; competitor

2 one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict the boxer's toughest rival thus far Synonyms adversary, antagonist, foe, opponentRelated Words equal, match; enemy; archenemy, nemesis; competitor, contestant; bane, bête noire, curse; assailant, attacker, combatant, invaderNear Antonyms accomplice, ally, confederate, partner; advocate, champion, exponent, proponent, supporter, sympathizer

3 one who strives for the same thing as another the four cities that are the top rivals for the site of the next Olympic Games Synonyms challenger, competition, contender, contestant, corrival, competitorRelated Words archrival; finalist, semifinalist; also-ran, entrant, entry, player; adversary, antagonist, opponentAntonyms noncompetitor

to engage in a contest two longtime friends who have rivaled for the same things at every stage of their lives Synonyms battle, contend, face off, fight, race, compete, vieRelated Words challenge, engage, play; jockey, jostle, maneuver; go out, try out; train, work