What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
competitor
Example
Our company's main competitor is XYZ Inc. [competitor: noun]
Example
She is a fierce competitor and always gives her best in every race. [competitor: adjective]
rival
Example
The two teams have been rivals for years, always competing for the championship title. [rivals: noun]
Example
He sees his coworker as a rival and is always trying to one-up him. [rival: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competitor is more commonly used than rival in everyday language. Competitor is a neutral term that can be used in various contexts, while rival is less common and typically used in situations where there is a more personal or intense competition.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between competitor and rival?
Both competitor and rival can be used in formal and informal contexts, but competitor is generally considered more formal and appropriate for professional settings.
