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

The risk is Sadiq doesn’t see a full workload as a rookie, struggles for targets while competing with Mitchell and others, and Geno Smith doesn’t bounce back. —Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Morrow spent her offseason competing in Athletes Unlimited, a 5-on-5 league where teams are redrafted weekly and players compete for the title as individuals. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026

Rams coach Sean McVay shut down any speculation that Simpson was joining the team to compete with Stafford for the starting job. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026

Stribling became a three-sport star in high school — a leading rebounder for the basketball team and competing in long, triple and high jump on the track and field team. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 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