compare

Definition of comparenext
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 Studies show that at 35 mph, the risk of severe or fatal injury for a pedestrian rises to more than 50%, compared with less than 20% at 25 mph. Christopher Harris, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026 This was followed by financial activities and manufacturing, where job hoppers got a boost of approximately 3% compared with those who stayed in their roles (who saw a year-over-year raise, regardless). Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026 The proposal was prompted by how much higher the city’s new trash fees ended up being compared with what city officials estimated before voters approved a 2022 ballot measure allowing the fees. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 Washington and Colorado's programs have run into challenges, including a lack of participation from clinicians, hospitals, and other care providers, as well as insurers' inability to meet rate reduction benchmarks or lower premiums compared with other plans offered on the market. Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez, NPR, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • Emmanuel Macron equated territorial sovereignty with the rights of the French to police their own misinformation and democracy.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • We’ve been trained since childhood to equate calcium with skeletal strength, and dairy milk is the darling of the calcium-containing food world.
    Lauren Manaker, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Models require extensive training to enable them to identify everyday objects to interact with, which means that simple tasks like picking up fruit can be challenging in robotics.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Only one body was identified by a family, while the others were buried on Friday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The association also has nurse practitioners, who can prescribe medications, and case workers who connect families to other social services.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But if Amazon is using artificial intelligence to autonomously connect a network of cameras to locate a lost dog, what barriers are in place to prevent them from surveilling humans without their knowledge?
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Officials from the Baja California Attorney General’s Office said that the vast majority of homicides in the state are related in some way to illicit activities, such as drug dealing.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • When Santa Clara voters approved Levi’s Stadium in 2010, the ballot initiative included taxpayer protections that prevented the city from dipping into its general fund for stadium or event-related expenses.
    Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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