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 Between 2002 and 2022, the researchers found, waters near the garbage patch have gotten brighter in both blue and green wavelengths compared with surrounding areas. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Nov. 2026 Polling and the results from election day showed an uptick in Black turnout and support compared with recent election cycles. — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026 Some compared Dylan to Palpatine from Star Wars, while others saw a parallel to the final encounter in the game Assassin’s Creed II. — Alfredo Toriello, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026 The difference definitely shows compared with some OLED laptops side-by-side, particularly in darker images, such as night-time photography, and in video. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • This phrasing equates resistance to the colonization of Palestine with the colonization itself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Magnus Taylor, deputy Horn of Africa director at the International Crisis Group, cautioned against equating the loss of towns with an end to fighting.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Digital twins of wind turbines can combine operational data with engineering models to assess performance under changing wind conditions and identify maintenance requirements.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The letter was shared as Haitian police and foreign forces continue to battle gangs, with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé announcing on X late Friday that a gang leader was killed, without identifying him.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The virtual model is then connected to its physical counterpart through sensors and data systems.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • In the future, the creators hope to expand the range of accessories that could potentially be connected to the TobenONE system through additional magnetic modules.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The researchers point out that the mat was dominated by compounds derived from photosynthetic pigments, while the extract’s porphyrins were overwhelmingly heme-related.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Flagstaff police said that a second man, whose identity hasn’t been released, also was found dead Monday in a drainage area, and that the death appeared to be weather-related, pending an official determination of cause and manner of death.
    — Christopher Weber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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