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

This squad has tremendous depth relative to their Serie A rivals. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

The central enemies are the supernatural Genma, while Sasaki Ganryu serves as one of Musashi's major martial rivals. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Flock has been the target of much of the public's ire, but its rivals have largely avoided it. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 22 Aug. 2026

East Ridge dumped South Lake 24-7 in a battle of Lake County rivals, and Lake Howell won its rivalry clash with Winter Springs 57-16. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Instead, the two rivals separately offered a preview of their pitches to win over both urban Kansas City and rural Pettis County. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

The only quiet thing about it is the stealthy way that the tournament has advanced upon its rivals in the global mega-event category. — Ben Ryder Howe, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026

The Ram ProMaster 2500 is easier to load than rivals because the cargo floor sits closer to the ground. — Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Davis has previously alleged that, amid mushrooming violence between the two groups, Combs had offered Davis a bounty on the lives of his rivals, Knight and Shakur. — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

Instead of Premier League champions Arsenal, the forward joined London rivals Chelsea for a club-record £117m as the marquee signing of a summer rebuild under new manager Xabi Alonso. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

This dessert easily rivals that cheesecake, for both beauty and texture. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

One important sidenote is that City has been set a Friday 5pm UK deadline by Premier League rivals Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernandez. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Even from this vantage point, current forecasts still point to an event that rivals the strongest ever observed. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

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

Or will Big Ten rivals Ohio State or Oregon push the Hoosiers aside? — Erick Smith, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

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