competitor
Americannoun
noun
Synonym Usage
See opponent.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of competitor
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin competītor “rival for an office,” equivalent to com- com- + petītor “seeker, claimant” ( see petitor)
Explanation
Competitors are rivals or contenders for the same thing. Two boxers in a ring are competitors, and so are restaurants located on the same block. When people compete (in sports, business, or elsewhere), they're trying to achieve the same goal and are therefore considered competitors. Two teams in the same sports division are competitors. Two politicians running for the same office are competitors. And even two guys courting the same gal are considered competitors. Competitors are out to win.
Vocabulary lists containing competitor
Vocabulary of the Summer Olympics
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Chapter 11: Industry and Immigration, Lessons 1–3
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List, Group, Label pre-reading exercise
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While flying high for the moment, SpaceX could still face unexpected turbulence -- as evidenced by competitor Blue Origin's recent launchpad mega-explosion.
From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026
In his 2006 book, “Paper Tiger,” he recounted his attempt to transform himself into a PGA Tour-worthy competitor.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
In that ad campaign, Kalshi took swipes at its competitor Polymarket, pointing out that Kalshi is a U.S.-regulated exchange, while most of Polymarket’s trading happens offshore.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
The prediction-market exchange has touted its use of KYC as a differentiator from its competitor, Polymarket, whose offshore platform doesn’t require users to submit proof of identity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Reggie had been the second-to-last child of six, the siblings spanning in age from Vicki to Phill to Jake to Nick, who was eighteen months Reggie’s senior and his pal and constant competitor.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
