participate

verb

par·​tic·​i·​pate pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt 

pər-

participated; participating

transitive verb

archaic : partake

intransitive verb

1

: to possess some of the attributes of a person, thing, or quality

the individual man participates in the ideal man

—Frank 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

pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-tər 

pər-

noun

Synonyms

• share
• know

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

Others lined up to participate include such notable executives and leaders as Barry Diller, Mike Fries, Adam Mosseri, Bob Pittman, Gary Vanyerchuk, Campbell Brown and YouTuber Michelle Khare. —William Earl, Variety, 21 Aug. 2025

This year, the USTA attempted to breathe life into a Grand Slam event that was often viewed as an afterthought by offering a $1 million cash prize, moving it to the week before the main draw and enlisting the top singles players to participate. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Harrowing experiences like this prompted Hailey to become a patient pioneer, one of fewer than 100 worldwide to participate in a ground-breaking research on gene therapy — a treatment that is gaining momentum across the country. —Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Volunteers needed for International Coastal Cleanup: Volusia County residents can participate in the International Coastal Cleanup at their choice of more than 20 sites along the beach, Halifax River and Indian River from 8-11 a.m. Sept. 20. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for participate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

participate

verb

par·​tic·​i·​pate pər-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt 

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

-ˈtis-ə-ˌpāt-ər 

noun