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

While rivals such as Goldwind have focused on building bigger turbines, Vestas capped its offshore models at around 15 megawatts. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Accusations are flying in Coral Gables ahead of the city’s November election, adding fuel to the already fiery disputes on the dais between Mayor Vince Lago and Commissioner Melissa Castro, political rivals who are both running for reelection. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Other airlines, including American’s chief rivals United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, currently allow customers to combine their frequent flyer miles with cash. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Hichilema’s stance matches that of regional rivals who are trying to use the scramble for critical minerals to drive economic development. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The American League Central rivals last played in September, when the Guardians won twice in the three-game series. — Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

The ending was not what Rodgers likely envisioned, as the Browns continued their strong start to the season with a victory over their AFC North rivals. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Then after a week off, the Falcons will head to New Orleans to face their NFC South rivals on October 5 before hosting the Baltimore Ravens in the Sunday night game on October 11. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

The Royals lost nine of 13 games against their American League Central rivals in 2026. — Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

Ryan’s character is a largely quiet participant given a come-to-jesus moment toward the end that rivals Atticus Finch. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2026

If you’re feeling tapped out on the idea of perfectly stenciled place settings and a front-yard light show that rivals a Hartsfield-Jackson runway, here are a few things to consider. — Joy Harden Bradford, AJC.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Parting from its old Big East rivals a second time is a much easier sell if it is done to help basketball as well as football. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026

Trump faces more blame than Biden did Trump’s low grade on the economy rivals Biden’s 28% approval rating in June 2022, when there was record-high inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Jill Colvin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The devastating judgment, which City can appeal, said the club broke Premier League rules designed to keep clubs financially stable and secure, and which rivals like Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United complied with. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026

The lines have been blurring between categories for a while, and now Snapdragon chips are powering laptops and delivering performance that rivals high-end Intel Core chips. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Of that group, NFC East rivals Washington and Dallas find themselves in the most precarious situations. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026

While most airlines provide complimentary headphones, the audio quality usually never rivals noise-canceling headphones, and my dad says the volume controls can leave something to be desired. — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026