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 forum focused heavily on affordability, health care, childcare, and California's budget deficit, with candidates outlining competing policy approaches. —Steve Large, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

These mini-governments would compete for citizens, who would be free to take their modular floating homes to a different micronation at any time. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 14 Apr. 2026

In the playoffs, Mater Dei competed below the top division for the first time since 2009. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026

The story follows two competing MCs – MC Badnaam and OG – whose feud weaves together revenge, ambition, and coming-of-age themes. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 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