Find Synonyms

rival Synonyms

Another word for rival

Choosing another word for rival depends on context, so the 20 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• noun (Context 1)

A person, organization, or entity competing with another for the same objective or for superiority in the same field of activity.

Usage Example

"She defeated her main competitor in the final round of the chess tournament."

Strongest
competitor
opponent
Strong
challenger
contender
adversary
antagonist

• verb (Context 2)

To be or seem to be equal or comparable to someone or something in quality, achievement, or extent.

Usage Example

"The small coastal town's culinary scene now rivals that of many major cities."

Strongest
match
equal
Strong
parallel
emulate
touch

• adjective (Context 3)

Competing with another or others for the same object, goal, or market; standing in active opposition or competition.

Usage Example

"The two competing newspapers raced to publish the exclusive interview first."

Strongest
competing
opposing
Strong
contending
conflicting

• noun (Context 4)

A person or thing that equals another in quality, status, or achievement.

Usage Example

"In terms of architectural grandeur, the historic cathedral has no equal in the region."

Strongest
equal
peer
match
Strong
equivalent

• verb (Context 5)

To compete or contend with another for superiority or the same objective.

Usage Example

"Several technology firms are rivaling each other to develop the most efficient battery."

Strongest
compete
Strong
contend
vie

Opposites of rival

The opposite of rival shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

allied
ally
partner
collaborate
cooperate
inferior
teammate
collaborator
See all opposites of rival

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Rival. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/rival
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.