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

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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 California lost about 40,000 jobs in motion picture and video production in 2024 compared with 2022, a drop of 28%, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026 Kimmel compared it to Leonardo DiCaprio, who attended the Critics Choice Awards and was nominated for One Battle After Another. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026 This stat is calculated by comparing each state’s one-way arrivals that originated in other states with its one-way departures that were destined for other states, using data from more than 24,000 rental locations. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026 How does the current situation compare? Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • This equates about one in 10 jobs.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Challenger equated the impact of AI on the current labor market to the rise of the internet in the early aughts.
    Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Witnesses said a silver Ford sedan fled the scene, and detectives later identified the driver as 57-year-old Humberto Munoz Gatica of Laguna Niguel, according to The Register.
    Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The Tarrant County Medical Examiner will publicly identify the person who died.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • One of those techniques involves an empty chair placed in front of a client, encouraging them to imagine and speak to someone connected to unresolved emotions.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Fort Worth police said the three cases are not connected.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Dykstra, 62, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possessing narcotics and narcotic-related equipment but was not taken into custody, trooper Kody Nowicki told The Athletic.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • With so many insects packed together in moist and dark places — and all closely related, sharing the same genetic vulnerabilities — infections and diseases can quickly pose an enormous threat to the well-being of an ant colony.
    Arundathi Nair, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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