English Synonyms for Competition and Rivalry Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

adversary (noun) /ˈadvəs(ə)ri/
Meaning: It refers to a situation where two or more parties are engaged in a struggle or opposition, and where each party is working to overcome or defeat the other.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to adversary?
Options: opponent; ally; supporter; friend
Answer: opponent
Synonyms: antagonist; challenger; combatant; competitor; contender; contestant; enemy; foe; nemesis; opponent; rival
Example: "The boxer faced a formidable adversary in the ring."

armada (noun) /ɑːˈmɑːdə/
Meaning: The term is often associated with the Spanish Armada, a large naval fleet that was sent by King Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to armada?
Options: fleet; single ship; boat; vessel
Answer: fleet
Synonyms: armament; caravan; convoy; fleet; flotilla; force; motorcade; navy; parade; procession
Example: "The sun set, casting a golden glow over the armada on the horizon."

candidate (noun) /ˈkæn dɪˌdeɪt/
Meaning: A candidate is someone who presents themselves as a potential choice, often with the intention of seeking a particular office or position.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to candidate?
Options: aspirant; non-contender; incumbent; non-participant
Answer: aspirant
Synonyms: applicant; aspirant; competitor; contender; contestant; hopeful; nominee; possibility; runner; suitor
Example: "The presidential candidate delivered a powerful speech at the campaign rally."

cartel (noun) /kɑːˈtɛl/
Meaning: Cartels are often formed to increase their bargaining power and maximize profits.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to cartel?
Options: syndicate; competitor; adversary; rival
Answer: syndicate
Synonyms: caucus; clique; coalition; coterie; faction; gang; Mafia; network; syndicate
Example: "The cartel controlled a significant portion of the drug trade in the region."

chauvinism (noun) /ˈʃoʊ vəˌnɪz əm/
Meaning: It signifies an unwarranted and aggressive loyalty to one's own group, often leading to the devaluation or marginalization of others based on their differences.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to chauvinism?
Options: bias; egalitarianism; impartiality; fairness
Answer: bias
Synonyms: bias; bigotry; discrimination; ethnocentrism; intolerance; jingoism; nationalism; patriarchy; prejudice; racism; sexism; superiority
Example: "Gender-based chauvinism perpetuates inequality and discrimination against women."

chauvinistic (adjective) /ˌʃoʊ vəˈnɪs tɪk/
Meaning: It denotes an unwarranted and often aggressive sense of superiority and an overtly biased belief in the inherent superiority of one's own group over others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to chauvinistic?
Options: prejudiced; unbiased; fair; egalitarian
Answer: prejudiced
Synonyms: biased; bigoted; chauvinist; discriminatory; ethnocentric; intolerant; jingoistic; nationalist; prejudiced; sexist; supremacist; xenophobic
Example: "His chauvinistic remarks about women's abilities were deeply offensive."

clash (noun) /klæʃ/
Meaning: It signifies a collision or clash of opposing forces, ideas, interests, or values.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to clash?
Options: conflict; harmony; agreement; concord
Answer: conflict
Synonyms: altercation; battle; collision; conflict; confrontation; contention; disagreement; discord; encounter; rivalry; skirmish; strife
Example: "The clash between the two football teams was intense."

combatants (noun) /ˈkɒmbət(ə)nt/
Meaning: They can include members of the military, as well as non-state actors such as guerrilla fighters or terrorists.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to combatants?
Options: fighters; civilians; noncombatants; peacemakers
Answer: fighters
Synonyms: antagonist; belligerent; contender; fighter; gladiator; soldier; trooper; warrior
Example: "The combatants clashed fiercely in the dimly lit battlefield."

competitor (noun) /kəmˈpɛt ɪ tər/
Meaning: Competitors are characterized by their pursuit of similar goals or objectives, often striving for success, recognition, or dominance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to competitor?
Options: rival; ally; partner; collaborator
Answer: rival
Synonyms: adversary; antagonist; challenger; combatant; competition; contender; contestant; opponent; opposition; rival
Example: "The new product launch was designed to outshine its competitors in the market."

contender (noun) /kənˈtɛn dər/
Meaning: A contender is someone who is recognized as having the potential, ability, or skill to be a strong competitor or rival in a specific field or endeavor.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to contender?
Options: competitor; supporter; ally; partner
Answer: competitor
Synonyms: aspirant; candidate; challenger; competitor; contestant; entrant; hopeful; participant; rival; suitor
Example: "The team emerged as a strong contender in the playoffs."

contest (verb) /kənˈtɛst/
Meaning: When individuals 'contest' something, they are actively and often formally raising objections or disagreements, and they may present counterarguments or evidence to support their opposition.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to contest?
Options: challenge; accept; agree; concede
Answer: challenge
Synonyms: argue; challenge; dispute; dissent; impugn; object; oppose; protest; question; refute
Example: "She decided to contest the election for student council president."

contestant (noun) /kənˈtɛst(ə)nt/
Meaning: This term is commonly used to refer to individuals participating in game shows, beauty pageants, talent competitions, and other similar events.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to contestant?
Options: competitor; spectator; observer; nonparticipant
Answer: competitor
Synonyms: adversary; aspirant; candidate; challenger; competitor; contender; entrant; participant; player
Example: "The talented contestant impressed the judges with their incredible singing skills."

desperado (noun) /ˌdɛs pəˈrɑ doʊ/
Meaning: It is commonly associated with the American Wild West era and conjures up images of bandits, outlaws, or renegades.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to desperado?
Options: outlaw; law-abider; citizen; conformist
Answer: outlaw
Synonyms: bandit; criminal; delinquent; fugitive; gangster; highwayman; hooligan; outlaw; renegade; robber; ruffian; thug
Example: "The old Western movie showcased a clash between the heroic cowboy and the ruthless desperado."

dominate (verb) /ˈdɒm əˌneɪt/
Meaning: It denotes the state of being in a position of superiority, surpassing others in power, strength, or influence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dominate?
Options: rule; follow; submit; yield
Answer: rule
Synonyms: command; conquer; control; excel; govern; master; outshine; overpower; overshadow; prevail; reign; subjugate
Example: "The champion aims to dominate the competition with their exceptional skills."

faction (noun) /ˈfakʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: The term can be used in various contexts such as in politics, where it refers to a group of people who are united by a specific ideology or interest and who may act independently of a larger political party.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to faction?
Options: clique; majority; unity; harmony
Answer: clique
Synonyms: clique; coalition; contingent; division; lobby; movement; party; rebellion; sect; wing
Example: "The political faction sought to influence policy decisions."

fanatic (noun) /fəˈnæt ɪk/
Meaning: Fanatics are characterized by their unwavering and often irrational dedication, which can lead them to prioritize their beliefs above all else, including reason, evidence, or the well-being of others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fanatic?
Options: zealot; moderate; indifferent; apathetic
Answer: zealot
Synonyms: addict; aficionado; devotee; diehard; enthusiast; extremist; maniac; nut; zealot
Example: "The religious fanatic preached on the street corner, trying to convert passersby to his beliefs."

fanatical (adjective) /fəˈnæt ɪ kəl/
Meaning: It implies an unwavering and often irrational commitment or passion that goes beyond what is considered normal or reasonable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fanatical?
Options: obsessive; indifferent; uninterested; apathetic
Answer: obsessive
Synonyms: ardent; dedicated; devout; extremist; fervent; fervid; intense; obsessed; passionate; radical; zealous
Example: "The fanatical sports fans painted their faces and chanted loudly in the stadium."

friction (noun) /ˈfrɪk ʃən/
Meaning: It arises due to the microscopic irregularities on the surfaces, causing them to interlock and impede smooth movement.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to friction?
Options: resistance; harmony; agreement; smoothness
Answer: resistance
Synonyms: abrasion; clash; conflict; confrontation; contention; disagreement; discord; opposition; resistance; rivalry; struggle; tension
Example: "The mechanic applied lubricant to reduce the friction between the machine's moving parts."

lucrative (adjective) /ˈluːkrətɪv/
Meaning: When an opportunity, venture, or endeavor is referred to as lucrative, it means that it has the potential to yield significant earnings or returns on investment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lucrative?
Options: profitable; unprofitable; loss-making; unrewarding
Answer: profitable
Synonyms: advantageous; enriching; fruitful; gainful; moneymaking; paying; productive; profitable; remunerative; successful
Example: "The tech startup secured a lucrative funding round."

magnate (noun) /ˈmaɡneɪt/
Meaning: The word is often used to describe a person who has a great deal of wealth and influence, and who exerts significant control over their industry or field of business.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to magnate?
Options: tycoon; subordinate; underling; pauper
Answer: tycoon
Synonyms: baron; bigwig; captain; entrepreneur; financier; heavyweight; industrialist; kingpin; leader; mogul; powerhouse; tycoon
Example: "The tech magnate revolutionized the industry with innovative products."

meritocracy (noun) /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/
Meaning: In a meritocracy, individuals are judged based on their talents, skills, and accomplishments, rather than their social status or connections.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to meritocracy?
Options: competence; nepotism; favoritism; oligarchy
Answer: competence
Synonyms: adeptness; competency; excellence; expertise; proficiency; qualification; talentocracy; worthiness
Example: "In a meritocracy, hard work and talent are the keys to success."

nemesis (noun) /ˈnɛmɪsɪs/
Meaning: It can also refer to a punishment or penalty that is deserved or inflicted as retribution.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to nemesis?
Options: adversary; ally; supporter; friend
Answer: adversary
Synonyms: adversary; antagonist; archenemy; avenger; challenger; combatant; enemy; foe; opponent; rival; tormentor
Example: "The cunning detective finally confronted his arch-nemesis in a high-stakes showdown."

oligarch (noun) /ˈɒlɪɡɑːk/
Meaning: The term is often used to describe a small group of powerful individuals or families who control a significant portion of a country's economic, political, or social resources.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to oligarch?
Options: plutocrat; commoner; proletarian; pauper
Answer: plutocrat
Synonyms: aristocrat; autocrat; baron; capitalist; elite; financier; magnate; mogul; nabob; plutocrat; ruler; tycoon
Example: "The oligarch's influence extended into multiple sectors of the economy."

opponent (noun) /əˈpoʊ nənt/
Meaning: An opponent is someone who actively opposes or competes against someone else in a contest, game, argument, or any form of conflict.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to opponent?
Options: adversary; ally; supporter; partner
Answer: adversary
Synonyms: adversary; antagonist; challenger; combatant; competitor; contender; enemy; foe; nemesis; opposition; rival
Example: "The boxer's toughest opponent was known for his powerful punches."

pennant (noun) /ˈpɛnənt/
Meaning: Pennants are often designed with team colors, logos, or other insignia and are typically displayed to show support for a particular sports team or as a sign of victory or achievement.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pennant?
Options: banner; defeat; loss; concession
Answer: banner
Synonyms: banner; bunting; burgee; colors; decoration; emblem; ensign; flag; insignia; streamer
Example: "The baseball team proudly raised the championship pennant."

prevail (verb) /prɪˈveɪl/
Meaning: It can be used to describe the outcome of a battle, competition, or negotiation, where one side overcomes the other.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to prevail?
Options: triumph; fail; lose; succumb
Answer: triumph
Synonyms: conquer; domineer; overcome; predominate; rule; succeed; triumph; win
Example: "Positivity and optimism will prevail over negativity."

pugilist (noun) /ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪst/
Meaning: The term pugilist is often used interchangeably with the term boxer.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pugilist?
Options: boxer; pacifist; peacemaker; noncombatant
Answer: boxer
Synonyms: boxer; brawler; bruiser; combatant; contender; fighter; prizefighter; puncher; ringster; slugger
Example: "The skilled pugilist entered the ring with confidence."

resentment (noun) /rɪˈzɛnt mənt/
Meaning: It is a complex emotional state that arises when one believes they have been wronged or treated poorly, leading to a sense of lingering animosity or hostility.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to resentment?
Options: bitterness; contentment; satisfaction; acceptance
Answer: bitterness
Synonyms: animosity; antipathy; aversion; bitterness; displeasure; enmity; grudge; hostility; indignation; rancor; spite
Example: "He couldn't hide his resentment when his best friend betrayed his trust."

rival (noun) /ˈraɪ vəl/
Meaning: A rival is someone who is seen as a competitor or adversary, often vying for the same objective, position, or achievement.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to rival?
Options: competitor; ally; supporter; partner
Answer: competitor
Synonyms: adversary; antagonist; archenemy; challenger; combatant; competition; competitor; contender; enemy; foe; opponent; opposition
Example: "The fierce rival team posed a significant challenge."

rout (verb) /raʊt/
Meaning: When one 'routs' their opponent, it signifies a complete and often one-sided victory, where the losing side is thoroughly beaten and forced into retreat.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to rout?
Options: defeat; victory; win; triumph
Answer: defeat
Synonyms: annihilate; clobber; conquer; crush; defeat; demolish; obliterate; overthrow; overwhelm; subdue; thrash; trounce
Example: "The soccer team managed to rout their opponents with a 5-0 victory."

trounce (verb) /traʊns/
Meaning: When you 'trounce' an opponent or rival, it signifies a resounding and often one-sided victory where the opposition is thoroughly outmatched and overwhelmed.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to trounce?
Options: thrash; lose; succumb; fail
Answer: thrash
Synonyms: annihilate; beat; crush; overcome; overpower; overwhelm; rout; slaughter; thrash; vanquish
Example: "The home team managed to trounce their rivals with a 4-0 victory."

vanquish (verb) /ˈvaŋkwɪʃ/
Meaning: The term implies a decisive and complete victory, often through superior skill or strategy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to vanquish?
Options: conquer; lose; succumb; yield
Answer: conquer
Synonyms: annihilate; beat; conquer; crush; overpower; overwhelm; quell; repress; rout; subdue
Example: "The hero set out to vanquish the evil sorcerer and save the kingdom."