Definition of comparenext
1
as in to equate
to describe as similar reviews that compared the adventure movie to a thrilling ride on a roller coaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to identify
to regard or represent as equal or comparable compared the restaurant's food to the nectar of the gods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compare distinct from other similar verbs?

The words collate and contrast are common synonyms of compare. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

In what contexts can collate take the place of compare?

The meanings of collate and compare largely overlap; however, collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

When might contrast be a better fit than compare?

While the synonyms contrast and compare are close in meaning, contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

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 compare The report said several California universities used law enforcement disproportionately in response to pro-Palestinian protests when compared with other events that violated the same policies. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026 If the translation is wrong, investigators can compare the rule against the words behind it. Aashis Luitel, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026 Across the 10 models, the average refusal rate for requests to produce political criticism was 34% in restrictive countries, compared with 14% in freer ones. Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 However, tankers bound for Asia from the Mediterranean must sail around Africa, adding roughly 25 days to the journey compared with the Bab-el Mandeb route. CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • Speed And Output Are Not The Same Thing The instinct to equate AI use with productivity is understandable.
    Muhammad Muzammil Rawjani, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Living by a maxim that equated failure with opportunity, Brees exhibited a knack for turning tribulation into triumph.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The second, Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship, identifies additional categories of children whom the administration says should not receive citizenship at birth.
    Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Chesterfield County Police Department said in a statement Saturday night that an alleged shooter, identified as Camron Harris, 19, of Henrico County, was arrested in connection with the violence.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The phone then stopped connecting to the cellular network, possibly turned off or disabled, the affidavit said.
    Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Mitchell was stuck at 19 points late in the fourth quarter before Clark connected with her on a backdoor pass for a layup to keep her streak alive.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Fire officials said the fire appeared to be cooking-related, and investigators are still determining what caused it.
    Jose Fabian, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Plenty among us, as our country commits atrocities across the globe, might relate.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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