A competitor (person, team, company, etc.) with the same goal as another, or striving to attain the same thing. Defeating a rival may be a primary or necessary goal of a competitor.

“Chris is my biggest rival in the 400-metre race.”

Someone or something with similar claims of quality or distinction as another.

“As a social historian, he has no rival.”

One having a common right or privilege with another; a partner.

To oppose or compete with.

“to rival somebody in love”

To be equal to, or match, or to surpass another.

To strive to equal or excel; to emulate.

Having the same pretensions or claims; standing in competition for superiority.

“rival lovers; rival claims or pretensions”