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
For comparative purposes, top running backs like the Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley converted 43/60 (72%) and 36/61 (59%) of all their short yardage opportunities, respectively, per PFR.
—
Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025
Conduct Historical And Comparative Analysis Of New Rules Fintechs can first understand the deeper rationale behind new rules through historical and comparative analysis.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Despite these achievements, investor scrutiny remained focused on Apple’s comparative lag in artificial intelligence rollouts—especially as competitors like Meta and Microsoft grab headlines for major AI advances.
—Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 31 July 2025
Based on a comparative analysis of similar cases, prosecutors are seeking a five-year sentence.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025
Conduct Historical And Comparative Analysis Of New Rules Fintechs can first understand the deeper rationale behind new rules through historical and comparative analysis.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Despite these achievements, investor scrutiny remained focused on Apple’s comparative lag in artificial intelligence rollouts—especially as competitors like Meta and Microsoft grab headlines for major AI advances.
—Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 31 July 2025
Based on a comparative analysis of similar cases, prosecutors are seeking a five-year sentence.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for comparative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comparative
relative
Adjective
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That’s strange, since most people are usually there to work on their laptops or check their phones in relative tranquility.—
Bruce Dorminey,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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His handling of immigration remains a relative bright spot with this age group.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Comparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comparative. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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