compare

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 company brought in diluted earnings of 3 cents per share, compared with a diluted loss per share of 81 cents for the year-ago period. Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 May 2026 As a state, Illinois ranked 21st in the nation for hospital safety, compared with 17th in the fall. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 In April, Revolution Medicines released early findings from its Phase 3 clinical trial of the drug, which found that patients who got daraxonrasib in addition to chemotherapy saw double the survival time compared with patients who just got chemotherapy. Erika Edwards, NBC news, 6 May 2026 Incidents related to Israel or Zionism made up about 45% of all cases, the audit said, adding this declined compared with 2024 but has remained high since before 2023. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • That statement shows the mental gymnastics that some leftists use to equate speech with violence.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
  • Ignoring Jewish religious belief, history, and culture, Sartre equated Jewish identity with legitimate fear of antisemitic violence.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Under certain circumstances, which were not identified, the system will initiate a reset in an attempt to improve performance.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 May 2026
  • The Board of Education said in a letter to families that members will identify an interim superintendent who can lead the district after Dorland leaves.
    Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Candidates for District 9 interviewed by the Southern California News Group said many residents increasingly connect ethics and accountability concerns at City Hall with broader frustrations over neighborhood conditions, city services and economic investment in the district.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 9 May 2026
  • Escalators once connecting now-defunct stores like Sears to designer brands such as Louis Vuitton have been turned off.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5 to 8 percent of births in the United States are complicated by preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders.
    Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 2026
  • Bastian relates that Delta collected $9 billion, more than four times the number in 2014, and though Amex doesn’t break out its revenues from the co-brand, the Delta experience suggests it’s scored a moonshot.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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