Rival and Would-be

Rival

Rival noun - One that is equal to another in status, achievement, or value.

Would-be and rival are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Would-be" instead an adjective "Rival".

Nearby Words: rivalry, rivaled, rivaling, rivalled

Would-be

Would-be adjective - Unfulfilled or frustrated in realizing an ambition.
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Synonyms for Would-be

Rival and would-be are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Rival" instead an adjective phrase "Would-be".

Mutual synonyms

Both words in one sentence

  • Not only is it a reminder, one sees the image of the lost love, their would-be kid, an image of the rival, or a second chance, and so on — often two or more of these at once.
  • Chekhov's Gunman: Both the Lady's would-be fiance and her rival at the Saebra Academy show up at the climax of Part I.
  • Video Game / Tales of Maj'Eyal Smug Snake: Councilor Tantalos combines the worst parts of slimy politician and would-be dictator, and doesn't mind mocking his rival councilor's bruises after beating him up in a contest.
Cite this Source
Would-be and Rival. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 09, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/rival/would-be
Rival & Would-be. N.p., 2016. Web. 09 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/rival/would-be>.
Would-be or Rival. 2016. Accessed August 09, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/rival/would-be.