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 offensive fireworks may capture the spotlight, but if SDFC intends to compete on multiple fronts this season, its back line will determine how far this season’s early momentum carries. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

The special election in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District featured a field of 17 candidates from multiple parties competing on a single ballot. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026

If competing proposals appear on a ballot and are successful, the one that receives the most votes nullifies the other. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

According to the big boards, as many as 15-20 draft selections will compete in Kansas City this week. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 10 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