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 But compared with last year — when Jacob Elordi, Dwayne Johnson, Emma Stone, George Clooney and Julia Roberts helped turn Venice into a red-carpet supernova — the wattage is noticeably dimmer. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026 The investment is relatively small compared with the cost of a single successful fraud. Mark Beare, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 And the typical American renter pays 27% of their income to the landlord, compared with 29% in California. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 July 2026 In the nine months between October and June, 356,389 people have been deported, compared with 319,980 deportations for the 12 prior months. Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • Being loved equates survival from the infant’s brain perspective.
    Hylke Faber, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • In the realm of the theater, no one exactly equates the number of headshots on a Playbill page with the ultimate fulfillment a stage show provides.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • An investigation led to Jamar Quarmaine Propst, 36, and Tosha Lee Lewis, 36, being identified as suspects, and they were arrested on July 25, the sheriff’s office said.
    Mark Price July 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 57-year-old Rachel Davis.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Now, Sedalia is connected via major highways 50 and 65, which Imhauser said brings in a huge amount of traffic.
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, is another vital shipping chokepoint, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • SpaceX is an unusually difficult case because so much of its value lies in distant, nonlinear and related-party-entangled businesses with little public operating history.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Once considered purely practical, today’s residential mailboxes have evolved into an extension of a home’s exterior, offering a chance to relate your personality before anyone even reaches your front door.
    Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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