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archrival

/ˈɑrtʃˈraɪvəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: archrivals

An archrival isn't just an ordinary opponent — they're your biggest competition, like the supervillain to your superhero, always battling for the number one spot.

The word archrival combines the prefix arch-, meaning "chief" or "principal," with rival to describe your fiercest competitor. In sports, the term refers to two teams or athletes with a long-standing rivalry, always pushing each other to improve. An archrival often represents the ultimate challenge in history or fiction, like a detective facing their most cunning opponent. While an archrival isn't necessarily a villain, they can be the biggest obstacle to achieving victory.

Definitions of archrival
  1. noun
    a person's main competitor or opponent in a game, sport, or other activity
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