Rival
A rival is someone or something that competes with another person or thing. It’s like a competitor or an opponent. When two people or groups are vying for the same goal or trying to outdo each other, they can be considered rivals. Rivalries can exist in various areas of life, like sports, academics, or even in personal relationships.
Rivalries can fuel motivation and push individuals or groups to perform at their best. They can also create a sense of excitement and passion, as people strive to outshine their rivals. Sometimes, rivalries can be friendly and good-natured, while other times they can be intense and even hostile.