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 software maker competes with major rivals such as Google and Amazon for customers and has an AI-powered assistant called Copilot. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 The architects of the Constitution anticipated that officials in different branches would compete to preserve their authority. — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026 Healthcare organizations have competing priorities like clinical equipment, staffing, facilities and digital services. — Aliasgar Dohadwala, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The analyst also noted that the firm's robotaxis have seen a sharp inflection in miles driven, giving Levy more confidence Tesla can compete with rival Waymo's fleet. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • Trump has used the campaign trail to defend the Iran war, contending Tehran’s regime cannot have a nuclear weapon.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The students challenge that interpretation, contending that the university has not established that their individual statements constituted legally unprotected threats or caused the level of disruption required to justify punishment.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • With Sandburg racing out to 7-1 and 8-3 leads in the third game, that came in handy.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Anthropic needs to keep racing and needs the rest of the business world to keep up.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Spouses already made financially vulnerable by years of relocations can be left navigating unfamiliar courts, hiring lawyers in two countries and fighting simply to bring their children home.
    — Brianna Keilar, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Brooke’s healing journey Luther, whose daughter Oakley is almost 3 years old now, has been fighting to not let her injuries define her.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The fire broke out at the Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps on Friday evening, and firefighters battled the flames against strong winds.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Republicans are battling to keep their top-of-the-ticket foothold in a state that will, once more, stand at the center of the presidential campaign.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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