Synonyms of participate

participate

verb

pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt 

as in to share

to take a share or part

eager to participate in the city's cultural life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• share
• know
• partake
• experience
• receive
• undergo
• feel
• see
• endure
• accept
• meet
• taste
• encounter

Synonym Chooser

How is the word participate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words partake and share are common synonyms of participate. While all three words mean "to have, get, or use in common with another or others," participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

When can partake be used instead of participate?

The words partake and participate can be used in similar contexts, but partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Where would share be a reasonable alternative to participate?

While in some cases nearly identical to participate, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of participate

In another major blow to LGBTQ rights, the court upheld state laws that ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 July 2026

Starting July 1, Circle K Inner Circle rewards members can get any size Polar Pop fountain drink for just 25 cents at participating locations nationwide. — Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 1 July 2026

Many Adriatic Luxury Hotels participate in one of the two (or both) loyalty programs, including Hotel Kompas on the other side of town with a lively beachfront restaurant of its own. — Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

For instance, a federal law requires that hospitals that participate in Medicare screen and stabilize anyone arriving in their emergency rooms, regardless of their ability to pay. — Alana Semuels, Time, 1 July 2026