compete

verb

com·​pete kəm-ˈpēt 

competed; competing

intransitive verb

: to strive consciously or unconsciously for an objective (such as position, profit, or a prize) : be in a state of rivalry

competing teams

companies competing for customers

Synonyms of compete

• contend
• race
• fight
• battle

Examples of compete in a Sentence

Thousands of applicants are competing for the same job.

She competed against students from around the country.

We are competing with companies that are twice our size.

Did you compete in the track meet on Saturday?

The radio and the television were both on, competing for our attention.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shares jumped over 500%, as investors clamored for a piece of a firm that has risen from obscurity to compete with rivals such as Samsung and Micron at home amid an AI-induced demand boom. — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Jaelan Phillips, Pat Jones and Princely Umanmielen will lead the group, while journeyman Trevis Gipson and Thomas Incoom — the only other outside linebacker from the 2024 season remaining — will compete with Gill for snaps. — Mike Kaye july 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026

Because Kit Carson is so close to the I-15, getting in and out is quick and easy, allowing residents of many nearby communities to compete with each other and often go out for drinks afterward. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

The challenge for all independent grocers is getting that fresh-is-best message to break through to consumers who are pulled in countless directions by competing voices that most often have far bigger advertising and marketing budgets. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin competere to seek together, from Latin, to come together, agree, be suitable, from com- + petere to go to, seek — more at feather

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing compete

• can't compete

Rhymes for compete

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete
• crabmeat

Kids Definition

compete

verb

com·​pete kəm-ˈpēt 

competed; competing

: to strive for something (as a prize or reward) for which another is also striving : contest