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
In other words, in fields where data is scarce, humans retain a comparative advantage.
—
Jake Angelo, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
More comparative research would help governments and humanitarian agencies target investments more effectively.
—Ilana Seff, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
After teaching at the University of Nebraska, Cirillo began pursuing a doctoral degree in comparative language at New York University.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
In short, whereas every other state in America relies on a comparative negligence model to determine liability for who is to blame for a construction accident, New York imposes absolute liability on property owners and contractors no matter what.
—Elizabeth Crowley, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Jake Angelo, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
More comparative research would help governments and humanitarian agencies target investments more effectively.
—Ilana Seff, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
After teaching at the University of Nebraska, Cirillo began pursuing a doctoral degree in comparative language at New York University.
—Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
In short, whereas every other state in America relies on a comparative negligence model to determine liability for who is to blame for a construction accident, New York imposes absolute liability on property owners and contractors no matter what.
—Elizabeth Crowley, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comparative
relative
Adjective
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Put another way, America has the ability to destroy both the Russian and Chinese governments and most of their infrastructure with a relative handful of weapons.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
3 Feb. 2026
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Their relative newness to needlework hasn’t hindered business.—
Julianna Chen,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comparative. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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