Definition of comparativenext
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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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 comparative That speaks volumes of the comparative current state of the two countries’ film industries. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 Map the outcomes marketing owns, then decide how work should be divided according to consequence, context and comparative advantage. — Hope Frank, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 While the majority were sampled in comparative tastings with similar wines, some were enjoyed at professional tastings at wineries, at dinner with winemakers, or opened by friends. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026 The actress had previously completed her undergraduate degree in comparative religion at Harvard. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for comparative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comparative
relative
Adjective
  • Resistance sits at $562 and then $602, just below our $615 upside target The stock carries a relative strength score of 10 out of 10 versus the S & P 500 and has outperformed the index over the past month.
    — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
  • But some of the artists who did take the stage to play their current singles on Sunday did see some surges in streaming interest following the VMAs, perhaps standing out even more due to the relative paucity of performers.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comparative. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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