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

Chelsea’s less selective approach to selling within the Premier League means Arsenal have sent £149million to their fellow Londoners, more than to any other domestic rivals. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

But in the first game of a new era for the cross-state rivals, UCLA was ahead of the curve. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Faro said companies can get insights into what their rivals are planning in multiple ways. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026

Experts say cartels use car bombs to intimidate rivals and authorities, pressure the government and spread fear among civilians. — María Verza, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

Oasis and their rivals Blur went on to launch the second musical British Invasion of America, but, unlike Blur, Oasis ran out of road. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026

Casemiro and Messi, fierce rivals when Casemiro was at Real Madrid and Messi at Barcelona, celebrated together, a rare sight for longtime La Liga fans. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026

Walmart had been slow to adopt tap-to-pay compared with rivals. — Kimberly Tutuska, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2026

That means the Bombers own a three-game lead over Boston for the American League’s top Wild Card spot with the arch rivals set to play three more games this weekend. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

However, Georgia’s wildflower surge in September certainly rivals — and sometimes surpasses — the soft pastels of spring. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 5 Sep. 2026

One of the conditions of paying out the full settlement is that rivals YouTube and TikTok make similar changes to their apps for younger users. — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Add a second Kit and a pair of armrests and you’ve got an actual sofa that rivals an adult version—especially in the charming floral print. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026

The Rams’ Opening Night game this Thursday is against longtime NFC West rivals the San Francisco 49ers on Netflix. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2026

Available in 45 sweatproof and transfer-resistant shades, this buildable formula easily rivals your most expensive foundation. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026

The San Francisco 49ers will take on their former Bay Area rivals the Las Vegas Raiders in the final game of the 2026 NFL preseason on Thursday in Sin City. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026

Boise rivals the Bay Area in rental rate increases this year, with monthly prices rising at a pace not seen since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic boom. — Mark Dee august 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 2026

Larger rivals Sibanye-Stillwater and Impala Platinum have ruled themselves out of the process, according to the mining publication Miningmx. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026