as in relative
being such only when compared to something else
if you consider the multimillionaire's yearly income, we're living in comparative poverty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of comparative
Yet there is no one reliable place to go, for the most important comparative information about the creator economy.
—
Evan Shapiro, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
There’s a rich literature in political science and comparative political sociology that explores this question.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2025
In a sense, the story of Marty Mauser is really comparative.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
Through a historical and comparative lens, the film highlights parallels and contrasts in the two countries’ paths to statehood—while also examining how those founding moments echo in the present-day identity struggles of their citizens.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Evan Shapiro, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025
There’s a rich literature in political science and comparative political sociology that explores this question.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2025
In a sense, the story of Marty Mauser is really comparative.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
Through a historical and comparative lens, the film highlights parallels and contrasts in the two countries’ paths to statehood—while also examining how those founding moments echo in the present-day identity struggles of their citizens.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comparative
relative
Adjective
-
As freshmen, Rose, Chico, and Tupac were relative unknowns.—
Jeff Pearlman,
Rolling Stone,
17 Oct. 2025
-
VantageScore found that, in relative terms, monthly car payments are increasing faster than mortgage payments.—
Miguel Ambriz,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comparative. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share