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

There is always another company – or another entire technology—competing for the same customers’ attention and budget. — Stéphane Germain, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

In all likelihood, no athlete could take 10 years off and immediately compete in the NFL. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The reality star will compete on Netflix’s Million Dollar Secret as Deadline understands that the streamer renewed it for a third season. — Peter White, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026

Boldenone, one of the substances at issue, has been associated with livestock-production practices and meat-contamination claims in prior anti-doping cases involving athletes competing in Colombia. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 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