rival
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for rival, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person, team, or organisation competing for the same goal as another.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rival
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin rivalis, literally "one who uses the same stream as another" — the idea being that neighbours sharing a water source naturally end up in competition.
Full origin of rival →Frequently asked questions
What does “rival” mean?
The word “rival” means a person, team, or organisation competing for the same goal as another. In plain terms, a competitor going after the same thing you are, or (as a verb) to match something in quality.
How do you pronounce “rival”?
“Rival” is pronounced REYE-vuhl (/ˈɹaɪvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “rival” in a sentence?
Here is “rival” used in a sentence: “The two companies have been bitter rivals for market share since the 1990s.”
What part of speech is “rival”?
Depending on how it is used, “rival” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rival” come from?
The word “rival” comes from Latin. From Latin rivalis, literally "one who uses the same stream as another" — the idea being that neighbours sharing a water source naturally end up in competition.
Is “rival” a common word?
“Rival” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rival” have?
“Rival” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person, team, or organisation competing for the same goal as another.
What is the difference between a "rival" and a "competitor"?
A "rival" and a "competitor" both compete for the same goal, but "rival" often suggests a more personal, long-standing, or intense contest. "Competitor" is more neutral and common in business and sport, while "rival" implies a notable head-to-head relationship.
What is the difference between a "rival" and an "enemy"?
A "rival" competes with you for the same prize, position, or goal, and the relationship can still be respectful. An "enemy" is someone hostile who wishes you harm, so rivalry is about competition while enmity is about opposition and ill will.
When should you use "rival" instead of "opponent"?
"Opponent" usually refers to whoever you face in a single contest, match, or debate. "Rival" describes an ongoing competitor across many contests or over time, so a one-off opponent is not necessarily a rival.