Opponent
Opponent noun - One that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict.
Usage example: in martial arts, before the match begins, always bow to your opponent
Rival
Rival noun - One that takes a position opposite another in a competition or conflict.
Usage example: the boxer's toughest rival thus far
Opponent is a synonym for rival in competitor topic. You can use "Opponent" instead a noun "Rival", if it concerns topics such as enemy, person, conflict, fighter. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| female | female opponent | female rival |
| current | current opponent | current rival |
| true | true opponent | true rival |
| dead | dead opponent | dead rival |
| Other adjectives: strong, powerful, real, male, serious, dangerous, potential, main, ultimate, new, major, defeated, political, possible, former, final, primary, last, greatest, recurring, said, strongest. | ||
Both words in one sentence
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Does the rival or opponent thank the hero for saving them when he didn't have to?
Source: Embarrassing Rescue -
Of course he isn't above using the glomp himself as a tool to get an advantage on a rival or opponent, or standing on other people's skulls as a form of saying hello.
Source: Hates Being Touched -
The hero's opponent and rival in love uses his 'Insect-Squashing Punch' to knock the hero out.
Source: Calling Your Attacks
Cite this Source
Rival and Opponent. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/opponent/rival
Opponent & Rival. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/opponent/rival>.
Rival or Opponent. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/opponent/rival.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "opponent" and "rival" have occurred on timeline