compare

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

Relevance

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 Glenna Wallace, chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, compares the golf course to having a go-kart track at Arlington National Cemetery. Kevin Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025 All-time leaders The Dodgers all-time leaders among starting pitchers in ERA+, which compares ERA to the league average. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 But New York fans have now taken this to a new level, comparing the Knicks to the new Pope who was just named. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 The New York owner of CBS, Comedy Central and the Paramount movie studio said net income in the first quarter came to $550 million, compared with a loss of $417 million in the year-earlier period. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • In the Oval Office Friday, Trump said the reduction in shipments from China means the United States is no longer losing money — a frequent if highly inaccurate refrain from the president that mistakenly equates a trade imbalance with losses.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 9 May 2025
  • In a society that often equates American influence with might or money or celebrity, now our foremost representative on the global stage is a humble man in white robes, preaching love, justice, and mercy.
    Christopher Hale, Time, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Investigators were then able to identify two other similar cases that occurred overnight May 7 in Sanford, according to the report.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
  • The victim was later identified as Terry Lee Gambrel, a 25-year-old Marine corporal, who had hitched a ride with Kraft to meet friends at a party, the sheriff's department said in a separate release.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The Tribeca Creators Market will take place from June 9 to 11, and connect rising filmmakers and content creators with industry executives, financiers, and distributors to foster the production of indie projects.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
  • The higher-performance model’s wireless receiver requires a USB-C cable to connect to a device, which is a lot less convenient for laptop users compared to the low-profile dongle included with the 1,000-Hz model (and most other mice today).
    Henri Robbins, Wired News, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Investigators suspected the two killings were related but ran out of leads and the cases went cold.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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