Definition of competenext
as in to contend
to engage in a contest prizefighters competing for the world heavyweight championship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 compete Erdogan has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, and the two countries are now both competing for influence in post-Assad Syria. Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 By December 2023, Madix was competing on Dancing with the Stars. Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026 Taaffe is seemingly competing with Trader for the starting free safety role. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 That investment later swelled to $13 billion as the strategic relationship tightened, but more recently the two companies have been competing on multiple fronts. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • The disclosure contends that, because of the new procedures, a single scanning error in a batch of tens of thousands of ballot envelopes could prevent any from reaching voters.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Defense attorneys contend that because only a single bullet was fired — and struck its target — the crowd was not at risk.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The core experience for me is being in the car, just having a good time, feeling the downforce, feeling the Gs, hearing the sound, and racing the car on a track.
    Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Now, as companies race to effectively deploy AI into business processes, that model is spreading like wildfire.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Their arrival is also welcome for many locals, battered by the economic impact of the Iran war their American visitors were fighting.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • When ships are fighting in narrow waterways under heavy surveillance, visibility quickly becomes a deadly liability.
    HOLMES LIAO, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Firefighters were battling a blaze as local authorities searched the area for any additional casualties.
    Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The initiative aims to bring positivity and hope to children battling critical illnesses.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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