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

• 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

Solitaire couldn’t compete with the dopamine hits of doom-scrolling social media or binge-watching Breaking Bad for the third time. —Ariana Torrey, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025

However, the question remains whether Nissan can compete with the onslaught from Chinese EVs, particularly in the UK, which doesn’t currently tariff automotive imports at the level of the EU or USA. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

White and Mostert are still competing for the No. 2 running back role behind Jeanty. —Tashan Reed, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025

Though the men are coaching competing programs, there is a familial bond that exists within the Everett football community. —Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 16 Aug. 2025

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