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

Ten nations, including K-pop giant South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia and Laos are set to compete in the inaugural competition, with more participants to be announced in the coming months, according to the contest’s website. —Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

The golfer last competed in 2024. —Pat Saperstein, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026

The Asian version will take flight after the original contest takes place in Vienna in May, with 35 countries competing in the singing contest known for outrageous costumes, towering ballads and high-energy performances. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026

At his height and weighing 305 pounds, Rioux lacked the explosivenes, lateral movement and endurance to compete in the SEC. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 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