as in relative
being such only when compared to something else
if you consider the multimillionaire's yearly income, we're living in comparative poverty
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Recent Examples of comparative
Also uncertain are the comparative risks tied to cannabis and to the other compounds associated with cannabis use.
—
Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
The majority were tasted blind in comparative tastings with similar wines, but some were drunk at dinner with winemakers or opened by friends.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
About 26% of the university's student body is international, and some programs—like its comparative law master's program—are composed almost entirely of foreign students.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
The company reports that comparative tests consistently confirm its superiority over traditional elastomers, especially after aggressive industrial processing.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
The majority were tasted blind in comparative tastings with similar wines, but some were drunk at dinner with winemakers or opened by friends.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
About 26% of the university's student body is international, and some programs—like its comparative law master's program—are composed almost entirely of foreign students.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
The company reports that comparative tests consistently confirm its superiority over traditional elastomers, especially after aggressive industrial processing.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comparative
relative
Adjective
-
The Metals Company is a relative newcomer to the mining industry.—
Daniel Ackerman,
NPR,
30 June 2025
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But in some regards, their presence will serve the same purpose, just on a relative basis.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comparative. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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