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 Overall, patients who ate more sugar than average had about a 12% higher risk of dying after their transplants compared with those who didn’t consume as much. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 The skin barrier, the outer layer that holds water in, gets leakier with age, so moisture loss speeds up compared with your 30s. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Position 175 on the Fortune 500 (up from 188 a year earlier)—its share price hit a high of $393 in August, compared with a five-year low of $123 in 2023. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 All three categories are essentially even compared with their previous week’s totals. — Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • Its rankings have been criticized for various reasons – including the claim that these rankings equate academic quality with a school’s money.
    — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
  • No serious person could reasonably equate the NFL draft process with an auction block.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But that condition applies to all affectionate bonds and doesn’t, on its own, identify attachment.
    — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Markings depicted on an image of a Kalinga warrior from an indigenous group in the Philippines were inaccurate and none of the artists involved in creating the mural identified as Asian, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • At that time, the company’s Fisher-Price, Barbie and American Girl brands were struggling to connect with changing consumer tastes and Mattel was reeling from the recent bankruptcy of Toys R Us.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Finally, in the fourth quarter, Skinner connected with speedster Emmanuel Pullins for a 44-yard touchdown and a 21-14 lead before his interception return.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Asea was first arrested in April on stalking and computer-related allegations, but prosecutors dropped those charges in May before bringing a computer-access charge in September, court records show.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Police and prosecutors said Joshua Kerry, 28, had been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between May 2024 and July this year, saying that these related in part to Farage.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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