rival

noun B2 Neutral

Meaning

A rival is a person or entity that competes with another in the same field or for the same goal, often leading to a sense of competition or conflict.

💡 A common mistake is to confuse "rival" with "enemy," as rivals can sometimes have a more competitive relationship rather than outright hostility.

Example Sentences

My main rival in the race is really fast this year .

Our company is preparing to compete with a strong rival .

The company faced strong competition from its main rival .

Who is your biggest rival in the competition this year ?

Word in Context

Maria runs a small bakery and she noticed a new shop opening across the street last month . At first she worried because the new place seemed like a serious rival for her regular customers . She has been changing the menu and trying different breads to attract more people , but she also keeps the friendly service that her customers like . On busy mornings both shops are full and people enjoy comparing flavours , which pushes Maria to improve her recipes . Despite the competition , she believes that a clear identity and good customer care will keep her business strong .

Common Phrases

fierce rival business rival long-standing rival

Synonyms

Related Words

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