Synonyms of rivals

rivals 1 of 2

noun

plural of rival

1

as in counterparts

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

• counterparts
• equivalents
• partners
• colleagues
• peers
• competitors
• fellows
• likes
• equals
• coordinates
• parallels
• compeers
• matches
• companions
• coequals
• associates
• analogues
• twins
• mates
• halves
• doubles
• copartners

2

as in opponents

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

the boxer's toughest rival thus far

Synonyms & Similar Words

• opponents
• foes
• competitors
• adversaries
• contestants
• antagonists
• enemies
• matches
• equals
• attackers
• combatants
• archenemies
• nemeses
• invaders
• assailants
• curses
• bêtes noires
• banes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• partners
• allies
• supporters
• accomplices
• proponents
• advocates
• champions
• confederates
• exponents
• sympathizers

3

as in competitors

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

• competitors
• contenders
• contestants
• challengers
• competitions
• finalists
• archrivals
• corrivals
• players
• opponents
• entrants
• adversaries
• entries
• antagonists
• semifinalists
• also-rans

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noncompetitors

rivals

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rival

as in competes

to engage in a contest

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• competes
• races
• contends
• fights
• battles
• vies
• challenges
• faces off
• maneuvers
• plays
• engages
• jockeys
• jostles
• works
• goes out
• trains
• tries out

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of rivals

Noun

Several Premier League clubs, including local rivals Sunderland, have shown the merits of buying youngsters from abroad and developing them. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Ironically, Hugging Face had to rely on a free Chinese AI model to thwart this attack – because OpenAI and US rivals jealously guard their own. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 2 Aug. 2026

Success depended less on defeating rivals in zero-sum contests and more on shaping systems that created value for end users and benefits for all. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Cracker Barrel was getting crushed by rivals like Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse by the time Masino arrived. — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Now, with public calls for review into his leadership, potential rivals may feel emboldened. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 1 Aug. 2026

The Apollo-Soyuz mission became a defining symbol of detente and a rare moment of cooperation between two nuclear rivals. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

But Gold Phoenix was inside both his main rivals and might have saved just enough ground to make the difference. — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026

Rather than rivals, the Reaper and TB2 represent two distinct philosophies of unmanned warfare. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026

Verb

Although denim can be quite rigid for travel or long in-office days, Quince’s options happen to be uniquely stretchy and soft, with premium construction that rivals brands triple the price. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026

Rick Jackson’s spending rivals national mega groups battling for control of Congress. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 31 July 2026

The fandom rivals that of the Swifties, Beyhive, or Marvel enthusiasts. — Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 31 July 2026

The insole provides maximum support that rivals even the most expensive sneakers, and the material is sweat-wicking, too. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026

His heartwarming appearance at the Chazaq event comes as antisemitic hate crimes surge across New York City and NBA rivals Kyrie Irving and Victor Wembanyama face backlash for liking Mayor Zohran Mamdani's anti-Israel posts. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

La Baule is also famous for a sunny climate, the area boasting some 300 days of sunshine a year, a number that rivals locations on the Côte d’Azur. — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

One suspects that is partly with the greater challenge of Saturday’s game back at this same stadium against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in mind. — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Luckily, Costco gets it and just came out with a new frozen sandwich that rivals one of Chick-fil-A’s fan favorites. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 27 July 2026