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 The key to all this is to compete on the total cost of owning your house compared with a new one. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026 The company’s average number of employees increased 50% to 1,276 during Mahon’s tenure, a notable period of expansion compared with the BBC, a fellow public service broadcaster, which cut headcount by 20% under former director general Tim Davie. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026 When asked to compare the conference with other major events in the city, Cohen said Dreamforce is his most important week of the year, or close to it. CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026 Electrolux laboratory research found that shorter cycles and lower temperatures could extend the usable life of common garments by more than 50% compared with harsher conditions. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • My 25-year career had taught me to equate sales targets and budgets with accountability.
    Sebastian Guth, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The character is a type-A perfect student who never has a single hair out of place — a way of being that Gerber has stepped into after years in the fashion industry where perfection is often equated with sublime beauty.
    Michel Ghanem, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In another part of Chicago, a 48-year-old man named Jose — who only wanted to be identified by his first name — remains afraid to leave home.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • French military policy in Lebanon prohibits identifying soldiers by first names for security reasons.
    Diego Ibarra Sánchez, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Venus in your expansive 9th house connects awkwardly with Uranus in your domestic zone, making travel, learning, or a fresh interest feel exciting and slightly disruptive.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • With no eyewitness or traces of blood connecting her to the crime, the prosecution’s case relied solely on circumstantial evidence.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The two children and two adults are related, a DeKalb County police spokesperson told CBS News Atlanta.
    CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • There was no indication from police that the incidents were related.
    Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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