compare

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 Serious crime on the CTA was down 47% in April when compared with the same time last year, Leerhsen said, and violent crime was down 33%. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 Researchers then divided participants into three categories of cardiorespiratory fitness—low, medium, and high—and compared these levels with both lifespan and the development of 11 chronic conditions, including heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer. Sarah Garone, Health, 13 May 2026 Investigators had used facial recognition software to compare surveillance images from the bank fraud case with photos of Lipps from her driver's license and social media. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 In particular, bus routes on the city's South and West sides saw dramatically higher ridership numbers compared with those under the CTA's old methodology. Benson Cook, CBS News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
Verb
  • Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy equated Brown’s role this season to a fork in the road, though not in a do-this-or-things-won’t-go-well way.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • Spending doesn’t equate directly to winning.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Responding officers with the Memphis Police Department later identified Dunmars as the driver of the Jeep Cherokee involved in the incident.
    Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • This marks Congo’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • In addition to food and beverage programming, this year’s edition will also incorporate art, literature, music, fashion, photography, craftsmanship, wellness, sustainability and technology, reflecting the many ways gastronomy connects with broader creative disciplines.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • The Bose Smart Soundbar ($549) connects to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($299) for immersive, surround-sound-like audio.
    Christian de Looper, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Montebello Police Chief Luis Lopez believes the incident was domestic violence-related, according to statements obtained by both KTLA and ABC 7.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • Some of these are really foreign policy related, where the president and President Xi both agreed that the goal on the Korean peninsula remains denuclearization.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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