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

Probably feeling nervous about heading to Illinois and competing for a spot on the team. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

Any organization with 35 or more employees in the region is eligible to compete for a Top Workplaces award. —Bob Helbig, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2026

Right now, high school athletes are competing for championships and seniors are playing in their final games. —Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026

Five Democrats are vying for the party’s nomination to compete against Lawler in the general election. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 May 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