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 She is involved in our Multicultural Club, participates in our Dual-Credit program with JCTC, is a member of the yearbook staff, National Honors Society and Beta Club chapters. The Courier-Journal, 22 Mar. 2024 Artist managers, record label executives and music artists participated in the first Forum on Spanish-Language Music in Madrid, held at the WiZink Center, on Tuesday (March 19). Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 22 Mar. 2024 Kenyan police have participated in peacekeeping missions around the world for more than 35 years. Larry Madowo, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024 Industry stakeholders like airplane and parts manufacturers and airlines may participate in investigations based on the specifics of each incident. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024 The Israeli prime minister’s office said top negotiators from Israel, Qatar, the United States and Hamas would participate, with CIA Director William J. Burns representing Washington. Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 Nancy Sullivan Nancy Sullivan, who played Drake Bell’s mother on Drake & Josh, did not participate in the documentary, but posted a heartfelt message about her on-screen son on Instagram. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2024 Not rated Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes Playing: Starts Friday at the Laemmle Monica, Santa Monica; Simon Baker will participate in a Q&A after the 7 p.m. screening March 22, moderated by The Times’ Carlos Aguilar. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 He was featured on the Food Network and participated in many events in Detroit and was a staunch leader in teaching Detroit's youth. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'participate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near participate

Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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