Rivals meaning : 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. Someone or something with similar claims of quality or distinction as another. One having a common right or privilege with another; a partner. To oppose or compete with. To be equal to, or match, or to surpass another. To strive to equal or excel; to emulate.