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 Children in poor countries showed three times the rate of performance decline compared with those in wealthy nations. Supreet Kaur, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 Through care navigation tools and support, members in California can compare care locations, understand potential cost differences, and explore lower-cost, high-quality alternatives when clinically appropriate. Anthem Blue Cross California, Daily News, 10 June 2026 Simply put, comparing NBA playoff ratings in 2026 to previous seasons without acknowledging those changes is misleading. Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 However, the pace of growth in the number of homeless people in California slowed substantially compared with the rapid increases seen in the late 2010s. Benjamin F. Henwood, The Conversation, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • There is a version of leadership that confuses visibility with impact, equating big initiatives and dramatic turnarounds with strong leadership.
    Monica Cutia, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Israel and the United States condemned the move, accusing the court of equating Israeli leaders with Hamas terrorists.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • All three of them also identified the same soldier – standing in the middle of the road, no more than 30 feet from the vehicle – as the one who opened fire.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Witnesses provided officers with a photograph and description of the suspect's vehicle, helping investigators quickly identify and locate Harmon.
    Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The critical oil and gas shipping lane connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and leads to the open ocean.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 June 2026
  • Bose blue tooth speakers that were a cinch to connect.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The waterway is crucial to significant shipments of oil, natural gas and related products like fertilizer, and its effective closure rocked the global economy.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
  • But as Martial related, the opening of the Colosseum was followed by games for 100 days.
    Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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