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 Subramaniam compared its trajectory to reggaeton, which crossed into Afrobeats and Punjabi music. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025 Captains and crew from across the Below Deck franchise share behind-the-scenes stories, compare adventures and reflect on their seasons at sea. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025 State-specific impacts Alaska Alaska has one of the highest percentages of federal employees in its workforce, given its relatively small overall population compared with other states. Caitlyn Kim, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025 Among those aged 18 to 29, 68 percent oppose additional aid, compared with just 23 percent who support it. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • This isn’t to equate a bookstore’s sales to the plight of people targeted by the state.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Many people equate intelligence to ability, and general intelligence to a broad set of abilities.
    Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of the neighboring small town of Burton.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • During the investigation, detectives identified and contacted a witness in Phoenix, prompting a joint investigation between the Sheriff's Office and the Phoenix Police Department, Nanos said.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Aside from all the restaurants you're connected to, what is your favorite restaurant in Cincinnati?
    David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
  • There have been three prominent Listeria outbreaks recorded in the United States this year connected to prepared foods, including pasta meals such as chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Petrino, the man responsible for the changes, could relate.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Internet users can’t get enough of Mason’s refusal to engage with the other pups at day care, as many fellow introverts could relate.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!