rival

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rival" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two competing individuals or teams that are vying for the same prize or position. For example: "The two top teams were rivals in the championship match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In reality, the effect on MPs' seats is more complex to measure as voters are not spread evenly across constituencies: some areas within may heavily favour one party, others its main rival.

The Guardian

Their talk was of rival software packages and camera types, and the scholarships to western universities they always just seemed to miss.

The Guardian - Opinion

Johnson, seen as a political rival to Osborne, trumpeted the report to the skies.

The Guardian

The Guardian has unveiled its Australian digital edition with a pledge to deliver a "fresh and independent view", starting with an exclusive interview with prime minister Julia Gillard who criticises rival Tony Abbott's flagship paid parental leave policy as "anti-women" – and revealing that she is a secret Game of Thrones fan.

The Guardian

Just a 10-minute stroll from the Short Strand, hundreds of people looked on as two rival factions jeered and snarled at one another before the final confrontation, when hand-to-hand fighting finally broke out.

The Guardian

Yellen's studied, academic, consensus-friendly approach is also another plus in her favor – particularly in comparison to Larry Summers, her bright but brash rival for the job.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rather disappointingly he chose to be the bigger man and merely cantered past his rival without so much as a sideways look.

The Guardian - Sport

INDIEGOGO iOS/Android Indiegogo is the main rival to crowdfunding website Kickstarter: a place where musicians, film-makers, gadget makers and others try to raise money for their grand schemes.

The Guardian - Tech

Tim Vine Milton Jones's only rival for the title of Britain's punner-in-chief takes to the road with a reprise of his 2014 Edinburgh fringe show, Tim Timinee Tim Timinee Tim Tim to You.

The Guardian

Far more tourists head for Skye and its famous Cuillin ridge just across the water, but there's plenty in Knoydart to rival it for adventure.

The Guardian - Travel

The underlying issue, therefore, is the rival claims of king and would-be caliph.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "rivals", consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym. "Competitor" is suitable in business or sports, while "adversary" implies a more antagonistic relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "rival" when a stronger term like "enemy" is more accurate. "Rival" suggests competition, while "enemy" indicates deep-seated hostility.

Linguistic Context

The word "rival" functions as a noun denoting a competitor or someone striving for the same goal, a verb meaning to compete or equal, and an adjective describing something in competition. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of "rival" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "rival" is a versatile term used as a noun, verb, and adjective to describe competitive relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. When choosing between "rival" and its synonyms like "competitor" or "adversary", consider the specific context to convey the intended nuance. Remember that while "rival" suggests competition, "enemy" implies a deeper level of hostility. This guide provides examples, related phrases, and writing tips to help you use "rival" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competitor

Focuses specifically on someone or something competing in a business or sports context.

challenger

Emphasizes the act of challenging or contesting someone's position or authority.

contender

Highlights someone or something striving for a position, especially in a competition.

opponent

Indicates someone or something that opposes or competes against another in a conflict or contest.

adversary

Suggests a more hostile or antagonistic relationship in a conflict or competition.

antagonist

Implies a key figure who actively opposes the protagonist.

enemy

Denotes a state of deep-seated hostility and opposition.

opposition

Refers to the act of opposing, resisting, or combating.

nemesis

Describes a long-standing and often insurmountable rival or enemy.

match

Focuses on the idea of equaling or surpassing, particularly in terms of quality or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "rival" in a sentence?

You can use "rival" to describe a competitor, as in "The two companies are fierce "competitors"" or to indicate a state of competition, as in "The two nations have a long-standing rivalry".

What are some synonyms for "rival"?

Alternatives to "rival" include "competitor", "challenger", "opponent", and "adversary", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to use "rival" as a verb?

Yes, "rival" can be used as a verb, meaning to compete with or to equal. For example, "The new product aims to "compete with" established brands in the market".

What is the difference between "rival" and "enemy"?

"Rival" suggests competition and striving for the same goal, while "enemy" implies a state of hostility and antagonism. A "competitor" can be a "rival", but not necessarily an "enemy".