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

Meanwhile, for the GOP nomination for secretary of state, Harris and Adamczyk were vying for the right to compete against Giannoulias, a first-term incumbent, in November’s general election. —Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Deals with LaLiga and the NBA allowed users to create avatars with team logos and compete in mini-games and prediction challenges against other fanbases. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Coen Echols and Tyree Adams from LSU, along with Trovon Baugh from South Carolina, are also expected to compete for starting roles. —Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

In just a few weeks, the dancers will compete in the World Championships, representing Atlanta on the global stage. —La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 17 Mar. 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