participate

verb

par·​tic·​i·​pate pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt How to pronounce participate (audio)
pər-
participated; participating

intransitive verb

1
: to possess some of the attributes of a person, thing, or quality
the individual man participates in the ideal manFrank Thilly
2
a
: to take part
always participates in class discussions
b
: to have a part or share in something
Your mother participates in this ambition …Edith Wharton
participator noun
Choose the Right Synonym for participate

share, participate, partake mean to have, get, or use in common with another or others.

share usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing.

shared my toys with the others

participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Examples of participate in a Sentence

Most people joined the game, but a few chose not to participate. eager to participate in the city's cultural life
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The performers are shown living their lives on the circus backlot, having relationships, building families, and participating in the performance life and ecosystem of the circus. JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025 Around 65,000 Arkansans participate in WIC, which offers food benefits, breastfeeding help and other health resources to low-income families. Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025 Poehler hosted the show in 2015 and the alums both participated in the show's 50th anniversary special. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025 According to the company, early pilot programs with Avery have shown indications of faster closing timelines and improved margins for some participating title firms, contributing to a smoother and more transparent experience for buyers and agents involved. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for participate

Word History

Etymology

Latin participatus, past participle of participare, from particip-, particeps participant, from part-, pars part + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of participate was in 1531

Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

participate

verb
par·​tic·​i·​pate pər-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt How to pronounce participate (audio)
pär-
participated; participating
: to take part or have a share in something in common with others
participate in sports
participation
-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən
noun
participator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on participate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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