Synonyms of rival

rival 1 of 3

noun

ˈrī-vəl 

1

as in equivalent

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 & Similar Words

• equivalent
• counterpart
• partner
• fellow
• colleague
• peer
• coordinate
• competitor
• parallel
• match
• compeer
• like
• equal
• coequal
• companion
• analog
• half
• analogue
• twin
• associate
• double
• mate
• copartner

2

as in opponent

one that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict

the boxer's toughest rival thus far

Synonyms & Similar Words

• opponent
• foe
• competitor
• adversary
• contestant
• antagonist
• enemy
• match
• nemesis
• archenemy
• attacker
• equal
• invader
• combatant
• assailant
• bane
• curse
• bête noire

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partner
• ally
• accomplice
• champion
• advocate
• proponent
• supporter
• confederate
• exponent
• sympathizer

3

as in competitor

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 & Similar Words

• competitor
• contender
• contestant
• challenger
• competition
• finalist
• archrival
• corrival
• entrant
• player
• opponent
• adversary
• entry
• also-ran
• antagonist
• semifinalist

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partner
• ally
• teammate
• collaborator
• noncompetitor
• supporter
• backer

rival

2 of 3

verb

as in to compete

to engage in a contest

two longtime friends who have rivaled for the same things at every stage of their lives

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compete
• contend
• race
• fight
• battle
• vie
• face off
• challenge
• play
• engage
• maneuver
• jockey
• go out
• jostle
• try out
• work
• train

rival

3 of 3

adjective

as in competitive

Related Words

• competitive
• competing
• rivalrous
• dynamic
• enterprising
• driving
• industrious
• hustling
• hungry
• motivated
• scrappy
• diligent
• venturesome
• spirited
• determined
• eager
• animated
• lively
• venturous
• ardent
• gung ho
• impassioned
• avid
• vigorous
• opportunistic
• aggressive
• high-flying
• energetic
• aspiring
• overambitious
• ambitious
• assertive
• pushy
• pretentious
• keen
• pushing
• hard-driving
• raring
• self-assertive
• go-getting
• self-seeking

Dissimilar Words

• indifferent
• disinterested
• uninterested
• casual
• unenthusiastic
• apathetic
• lackadaisical
• unexcited
• easygoing
• tepid
• lukewarm
• uneager
• halfhearted
• sluggish
• listless
• lethargic
• lazy
• shiftless
• spiritless
• lazyish
• unaggressive
• unassertive
• unambitious
• ambitionless

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rival

Noun

But their double life gets complicated when a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, crashes the scene with sinister secrets. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025

The ride home That evening, the sisters drove about 500 people to the opener of the Brewers’ series against the rival Cubs, which ended with a Brewers win. —Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Verb

Governments that could assert authority over these firms, most notably the U.S. government, could tap them for information about their adversaries or exclude rivals from access to these vital points in the global economy. —Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025

Rojo means ‘red’ in Spanish and also happens to be the nickname of Racing Club’s fierce rivals, Independiente, whose alternative names include El Rojo and Los Diablos Rojos (The Red Devils). —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025

Adjective

This isn’t Stop Making Sense — nothing is — but Lee very quietly crafted a concert film to rival it. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025

With the lights low, settled far back in your recliner, and a cashmere throw across your lap, you’ll be prepared for a movie-watching experience in your own home that rivals a proper movie theater. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2025