comparable

adjective

com·​pa·​ra·​ble ˈkäm-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce comparable (audio)
 also  kəm-ˈpa-rə-bəl,
-ˈper-ə- How to pronounce comparable (audio)
1
: capable of or suitable for comparison
The situations are not at all comparable.
2
: similar, like
fabrics of comparable quality
The two houses are comparable in size.
comparableness noun

Examples of comparable in a Sentence

two comparable selections that are hard to choose between
Recent Examples on the Web But following surgery, their brain metabolism was comparable to that of the control group. Lauryn Higgins, Health, 16 Apr. 2024 To be sure, the impact of civilian drones during this period was not comparable to what occurred after the February 2022 invasion. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Apr. 2024 Game Selection & Variety – 4.7/5 With more than 300 slots and table games to play, Bovada’s game selection is comparable to what the best online casino sites offer. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024 The effect is comparable to how shaded areas end up much cooler on a hot day than any place in direct sunlight. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024 How wages became an issue For years, Mercedes paid wages that were comparable to those paid to union workers at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler), says Stephen Silvia, professor at American University and author of the book The UAW's Southern Gamble. Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 5 Apr. 2024 The narrow aperture range and tendency to flare aren't major downsides either, considering that there aren't currently any first- or third-party alternatives that autofocus and cover the same range at a comparable price. PCMAG, 31 Mar. 2024 Hail 1-inch in diameter is comparable to a quarter. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2024 When powered by electricity, the Prius Prime’s superior MPGe rating is comparable to some of the most efficient BEVs. Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comparable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see compare entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of comparable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near comparable

Cite this Entry

“Comparable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparable. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

comparable

adjective
com·​pa·​ra·​ble ˈkäm-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce comparable (audio)
1
: capable of being compared
2
: similar, like
cloth comparable to the best
comparably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on comparable

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