compare

1
as in to equate
to describe as similar reviews that compared the adventure movie to a thrilling ride on a roller coaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to identify
to regard or represent as equal or comparable compared the restaurant's food to the nectar of the gods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compare distinct from other similar verbs?

The words collate and contrast are common synonyms of compare. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

In what contexts can collate take the place of compare?

The meanings of collate and compare largely overlap; however, collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

When might contrast be a better fit than compare?

While the synonyms contrast and compare are close in meaning, contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of compare In addition to this forecast, the Hotline will publish weekly power rankings that compare, contrast and wax poetic about the eight teams competing across three leagues. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025 The study compared the United States with five other countries: England and Wales (categorized as one country), France, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025 Blumenthal compared the projects to a new roof on a home. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025 As of June 30, debt stood at 95.7 million euros, net of the IFRS 16 effect compared with 135.2 million euros at the end of June last year. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • The price currently equates for a base rate in the region of 3.75%—representing a cut of two measures from the Fed.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Quite literally mimicking the effect of watercolor paint on paper, pro makeup artist Kasey Spickard equates its rise in popularity to beauty’s shift towards skincare-makeup hybrids as another take on a natural flush—perhaps even a reactionary response to the heavy matte makeup of the 2010s.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • The only clue that authorities had to identify the deceased was a keychain that included shopper rewards cards from Winn-Dixie and CVS.
    Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The passenger was identified as Sandy Hall, 57, of San Leandro.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The department said officers observed a vehicle connected to a felony driving recklessly.
    Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • All of these people are narcos, somehow connected to the drug world.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • After that, Lisa, Larsa, and Cult Jam apparently started screaming at each other in the elevator about something Jody related, which the cameras didn’t pick up.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025
  • In a statement, a lawyer for Ortiz said his client’s guilty plea was highly tailored, relating only to his transactions with Pérez in the context of concert performances.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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