Enemy
Enemy noun - One that is hostile toward another.
Usage example: a beloved minister with no known enemies
Rival
Rival noun - One that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict.
Usage example: the boxer's toughest rival thus far
Enemy is a synonym for rival in adversary topic. You can use "Enemy" instead the word "Rival" as a noun or an adjective, if it concerns topics such as opponent. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| old | old enemy | old rival |
| specific | specific enemy | specific rival |
| certain | certain enemy | certain rival |
| true | true enemy | true rival |
| Other adjectives: dead, powerful, real, dangerous, bitter, potential, main, personal, ultimate, new, major, political, former, final, primary, unknown, last, greatest, recurring, said, hated, sworn, biggest. | ||
Both words in one sentence
- The character's rival or enemy is in a position of complete helplessness, and thus the character can effortlessly best their opponent in some way.
- She does however get a Relationship Upgrade from his rival and enemy in the first season/movie to his rival-friend in the second season to his girlfriend in the third season.
Source: The Rival / Western Animation - Danny and his ghost hunting rival/enemy Valerie work together to outdo Skulker once they stop trying to torment one another.
Source: Enemy Mine / Western Animation
Cite this Source
Rival and Enemy. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/enemy/rival
Enemy & Rival. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/enemy/rival>.
Rival or Enemy. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/enemy/rival.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "enemy" and "rival" have occurred on timeline