com·pat·i·ble | \ kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl 
\
\Definition of compatible
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : capable of existing together in harmony
compatible theories compatible people
2 : capable of cross-fertilizing freely or uniting vegetatively
3 : capable of forming a homogeneous mixture that neither separates nor is altered by chemical interaction
4 : capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without reaction (such as agglutination or tissue rejection)
5 : designed to work with another device or system without modification
The printer is compatible with most computers. especially : being a computer designed to operate in the same manner and use the same software as another computer
compatible
noun plural compatibles
Definition of compatible (Entry 2 of 2)
: a device (such as a computer) or system designed to be used with another device or system without modification
This game is available on disk as well as in a full-voiced CD edition for PCs and compatibles.— Scott A. May
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Other Words from compatible
Adjective
compatibility \ kəm-ˌpa-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē \ noun
\ nouncompatibleness \ kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl-nəs \ noun
\ nouncompatibly \ kəm-ˈpa-tə-blē \ adverb
\ adverbSynonyms & Antonyms for compatible
Synonyms: Adjective
Antonyms: Adjective
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Examples of compatible in a Sentence
Adjective
two people with compatible personalities
This printer is compatible with most PCs.
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective But ideology is not actually compatible with Christianity.
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Cameron Hilditch, National Review, "Christianity as Ideology: The Cautionary Tale of the Jericho March," 18 Dec. 2020 The opener is compatible with most garage doors, fitting a seven-foot height alone, and eight feet with an extension kit, but anything over that will be too tall.
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Gabrielle Hondorp, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Garage Door Openers for Secure and Convenient Parking," 17 Dec. 2020 The latest versions can be played on a PC; older ones are compatible with Xbox and PlayStation.
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Elissa Strauss, CNN, "Fitness video games can break your Covid pandemic exercise slump," 17 Dec. 2020 This smartwatch will track your fitness and activity, is compatible with other Alexa devices and monitors your heart rate.
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Ellen Mcalpine, CNN Underscored, "The best iPhone accessories to give this holiday," 15 Dec. 2020 But the device requirements are a departure from competing apps, like Sweat and Fitbod, which don't require an Apple Watch and are often compatible with a variety of wearables.
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Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "Apple’s Fitness+ workout service: enthusiasm, energy, and plenty of integration," 15 Dec. 2020 There are also hybrid models like the the latest Philips Hue lights, which are compatible with both modalities.
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Harry Guinness, Popular Science, "Find the best smart light for your home," 15 Dec. 2020 Ford’s director of charging and energy services, Matt Stover, says the company is working with charge station providers and operators to ensure the devices are compatible with the Mach-E.
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Eric Adams, Wired, "The Mustang Mach-E Delivers a Jolt—If You Can Find a Charge," 15 Dec. 2020 Attachable crampons like Kahtoola NANO tungsten carbide spikes that are compatible with running shoes ($49.95) are available at Backcountry.
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oregonlive, "Winter outerwear: Bundle up before you venture out; see these sales for gift giving," 10 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun All televisions marketed as HDR-compatible should support this standard.
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Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, "What Is HDR and Why Is It on My TV?," 18 Nov. 2019 In addition to its slightly larger 10.2-inch retina display, features like the Smart Connector make the new tablet compatible with the full-size Smart Keyboard once relegated to the iPad Pro.
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Patrick Lucas Austin, Time, "Here's Everything Apple Announced Today, From New iPhones to its Netflix Competitor," 10 Sep. 2019 Look for cases that are wireless charging-compatible.
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Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, "Here's Why You May Actually Want to Upgrade to iPhone's XR Right Now," 20 Dec. 2018 With the success of the PC and PC compatibles, Microsoft became hugely successful.
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Peter Bright, Ars Technica, "Paul Allen—Microsoft co-founder, Seahawks owner, and space pioneer—dies at 65," 16 Oct. 2018 Each zip file contains a vector EPS (Adobe Illustrator version 8+ compatible) and some artists will also include PDF and AI files as well.
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Jenny Knizner, USA TODAY, "11 Free Marketing Resources for Freelancers," 16 Apr. 2018 Microsoft is also warning, again, that all Windows updates now require the use of a compatible, up-to-date anti-virus program.
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Peter Bright, Ars Technica, "Intel’s latest set of Spectre microcode fixes is coming to a Windows update," 1 Mar. 2018 All are also equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems, and are Apple CarPlay compatible.
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Charles Fleming, latimes.com, "Honda's new Gold Wing: Lighter, leaner, more powerful," 24 Oct. 2017
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'compatible.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for compatible
compatible
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of compatible
: able to exist together without trouble or conflict : going together well
of devices and especially computers : able to be used together
See the full definition for compatible in the English Language Learners Dictionary
compatible
adjectivecom·pat·i·ble | \ kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl \
\Kids Definition of compatible
: capable of existing together in harmony
compatible
adjectivecom·pat·i·ble | \ kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl \
\Medical Definition of compatible
1 : capable of existing together in a satisfactory relationship (as marriage)
2 : capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without immunological reaction (as agglutination or tissue rejection)
treatment of hemophilia by transfusion of compatible blood
3 of medications : capable of being administered jointly without interacting to produce deleterious effects or impairing their respective actions
Other Words from compatible
compatibility \ -ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē \ noun, plural compatibilities
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Time Traveler for compatible
The first known use of compatible was in the 15th century
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