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

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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 LeCun has compared the panicked responses to recent AI incidents to blaming the entire plumbing industry for one bad plumber’s mistake, LeCun said. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026 The advisory compared the health impact of social disconnection to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. — Jessi Anderson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026 The district’s makeup has remained relatively unchanged compared, with Black students representing about a third of the student body and Latino students representing 47%. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 Google compares the challenge to hitting a coin-sized target from miles away while both points are moving. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • Xi equates compromise with weakness and has a hard time understanding the give-a-little-to-get-a-little logic that is the heart and soul of diplomacy.
    — Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026
  • My 25-year career had taught me to equate sales targets and budgets with accountability.
    — Sebastian Guth, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Gen Z versus millennials The BofA analysis found that older millennials spent the most on hobbies in the three months to August, spending more than double per consumer than Gen Z, the cohort BofA identified as spending the least.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Slow down enough to identify the point that actually matters.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Turang connected off Quinn Mathews (2-4) in the fifth inning for his 21st home run and 99th RBI this season.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Similarly, don’t run the washing machine or dishwasher because both connect electricity with plumbing—once again, a bad combination.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Lisa Janssen, a Brookfield resident, tried to get the state to set aside two liens against her son and deceased husband, both of whom had been to prison for a variety of larceny, theft and drug-related crimes.
    — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, our plants might be dealing with heat and drought-related leaf scorch.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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