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 But while the coaches may be having fun in the red chairs, the artists competing for their teams face a much more serious reality this season, and Levine admits that this new Cut Week curveball is anything but easy. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026 The Official Competition showcases new talent in world cinema with 14 first and second feature films competing for the Étoile d’Or, awarded by a jury headed by actor Marion Cotillard. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026 The poll also highlighted the competing messages and critiques that have defined the campaign. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026 She was not registered to compete in the New York City Marathon that was held Sunday. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • The union has long contended that teams can generate revenue and profits outside of the MLB club through mixed-use developments, RSN ownership and other avenues.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The column contends that Republican redistricting efforts backfired, while California’s map changes helped Democrats win seats.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • While robot dogs feel like old news now, setting them the challenge of racing up more than 3,000 uneven stone steps on the side of a mountain is more than just to show off what machines with legs can do.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The researchers notified the PHP Foundation, which released patches to fix the bugs—but companies still must race to update their websites before any hackers break into them.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Brown's career started as well as anyone could have imagined, as the former sixth-round-pick from Central Michigan went from fighting to earn a roster spot to becoming one of the most prolific wide receivers in Pittsburgh franchise history.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The American Gaming Association has been fighting prediction markets as unlicensed gambling.
    — Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The system requires the driver’s hands be on the wheel and, while not perfect at remaining centered in the lane, does enough to take the fatigue off of constantly battling a truck’s tendency to drift at speed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Koosman battled an assortment of injuries in 1971 and ’72 and for a time was relegated to the bullpen by Hodges’ successor Yogi Berra in ’72 before returning to the rotation and winding up 11-12.
    — Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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