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 The multibillion-dollar companies driving the boom are aggressively competing for limited resources. Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026 The Galapagos Islands are unique, thanks to their isolation from the mainland, proximity to the Equator, competing ocean currents, and volcanic composition. Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 14, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Sep. 2026 In Iowa, State Auditor Rob Sand, the Democratic Party’s nominee for governor, has spoken out against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports as a matter of fairness. Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The shift was aimed at trying to compete with Alcaraz and Sinner. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • Ahead of the legal arguments, most experts contend that Missouri likely will not use the gerrymandered map in November and instead conduct the election using a map lawmakers passed in 2022.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Penn State regularly contended for New Year’s Six bowls but lost the close, important games so often that fans braced for heartbreak.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tech companies are racing to develop and train elder care robots to handle tasks ranging from giving massages to playing chess.
    HUIYEE CHIEW AND LYRIC LI THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • As the rapid development of artificial intelligence sparks renewed debate about its risks, the United States and China keep racing to build increasingly powerful models.
    Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Brian would have to report back home to his louse of a father to fight or be branded a traitor.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Though religious thinkers will fight fiercely to show one of the stories to be the one that religion really sanctions, each Abrahamic religion has signposts pointing both ways.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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