competes; competed; competing
1
: to try to get or win something (such as a prize or reward) that someone else is also trying to win : to try to be better or more successful than someone or something else
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?
2
: to try to be noticed, accepted, or chosen over something else
The radio and the television were both on, competing for our attention.
competing teams/products/theories
Cite this Entry
“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/compete. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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