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 future will belong to those who compete on connection, not just connectivity. Astha Bhardwaj, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025 Talents competing at Valladolid are hardly local figures. John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025 Because Washington’s Zach Ertz has played his entire career in the NFC (previously with the Eagles, Cardinals and Lions) and the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce competes in the AFC, their teams have seldom met. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 The original photo was taken by California Family Council Outreach Director Sophia Lorey at a state playoff game that included a biological male trans athlete competing. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • The Boston Red Sox got back to the playoffs in 2025 but still need to add more firepower in the lineup to truly contend.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Critics contend that the real aim is regime change.
    Javier Corrales, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The improvements mark the latest development in unmanned weapons systems that play an increasingly important role in the war with Russia, as both sides race to stay ahead in drone warfare on land, in the air and at sea.
    Anastasiia Malenko, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Companies in all industries are racing to automate, consolidate, and cut costs before real regulation catches up.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That’s after the consumer price index for September inched up but came in below forecasts, clearing the way for the Fed to focus more on the maximum-employment side of its mandate than the inflation-fighting side.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Inflammation is the immune system’s response to fight against infection or disease.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Knicks, coached by former Cavaliers assistant Mike Brown, are also battling injuries, with Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson ruled out for the opener.
    Evan Dammarell, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • However, other reports from Showbiz 411 and NewsNation, indicate Keaton was battling dementia in her later years.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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