participate

verb

par·​tic·​i·​pate pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt How to pronounce participate (audio)
pər-
participated; participating
Synonyms of participate

transitive verb

archaic : partake

intransitive verb

1
: to possess some of the attributes of a person, thing, or quality
… the individual man participates in the ideal man …—Frank Thilly
2
a
: to take part
always participates in class discussions
b
: to have a part or share in something
Your mother participates in this ambition …—Edith Wharton
participator
pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-tər How to pronounce participate (audio)
pər-
noun

Synonyms of participate

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Choose the Right Synonym for participate

share, participate, partake mean to have, get, or use in common with another or others.

share usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing.

shared my toys with the others

participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Examples of participate in a Sentence

Most people joined the game, but a few chose not to participate. eager to participate in the city's cultural life
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Michael Schmitz, a geophysicist professor at Simon Bolivar University in Caracas, participated in a study that ran from 2004-2009 on microzones in Caracas, subdivisions of the region based on seismic risk. — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 That strained relationship was spotlighted this week when Ionescu said she was never officially invited to participate in the WNBA’s 3-point contest. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026 According to The Hill, plans to participate in an opening ceremony for a new bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit have been canceled. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 July 2026 The 34-year-old has participated in three previous 3-point contests but has never won the event. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for participate

Word History

Etymology

Latin participatus, past participle of participare, from particip-, particeps participant, from part-, pars part + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of participate was in 1531

Rhymes for participate

See All Rhymes for participate

Browse Nearby Words

participant observer
participate
participating bond
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participate. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

participate

verb
par·​tic·​i·​pate pər-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt How to pronounce participate (audio)
pär-
participated; participating
: to take part or have a share in something in common with others
participate in sports
participation
-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən
noun
participator
-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt-ər How to pronounce participate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on participate

Nglish: Translation of participate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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