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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 comparative Still others are noted for comparative advantages that can be exploited, like the cost of labor, strategic port access, lax customs enforcement or free trade zones. Laura Curtis, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 Karim Kattan was born in 1989 in Jerusalem, grew up in Bethlehem, and holds a doctorate in comparative literature. Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026 She was born and raised in Rockland County, New York, and graduated from Binghamton University with a double major in comparative literature and Judaic studies. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Collective bargaining as a stabilizing force Stahl’s points reflect the comparative stability that collective bargaining would provide. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for comparative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comparative
relative
Adjective
  • These relative trillions, of course, are hard for the human brain to comprehend.
    Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026
  • That's because stocks are once again richly valued while bonds are super cheap on a relative basis.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comparative. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster