participates; participated; participating
: to be involved with others in doing something : to take part in an activity or event with others
Most people joined the game, but a few chose not to participate.
—often + inIf you don't participate in the planning of the trip, you can't complain about what we plan.
He never participated in sports in high school.
Participating employees [=employees who have chosen to join] can contribute up to 14 percent of their wages to the retirement plan.
Look for these specials at a participating store [=a store that participates in an advertised sale or promotion] near you.
Cite this Entry
“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/participate. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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