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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 No candidate can compete with the cash that Bastien brings to her reelection effort for another four years before term limits would require her exit in 2030. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Kai, who frequently plays golf with her grandfather, will compete on the Hurricanes women's golf team during the 2026-27 season. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The academy, which opened in 2019 and started playing competitive football in 2022, has beaten and competed with several notable American high schools. Jack Leo, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Because the success of this transition will not be defined by the ambition of its rules, but by whether circularity can compete, and scale, in the market. María Luisa Martínez Díez, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • Elsewhere, though, pundits contend that these voters are rejecting socialism and its candidates, as in last year’s party primary for New York City mayor, when then-candidate Zohran Mamdani lost Black communities by wide margins.
    Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Football season is back in South Florida as both the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes have opened training camp, giving fans an early look at teams hoping to contend in the NFL and college football this fall.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The administration is racing to get a handle on an almost entirely unregulated industry – one that’s advancing at breathtaking speed.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Owen Caissie, who had walked, raced to third and scored on Joe Mack's groundout.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But the judge’s order showed a possible path forward for other court fights around the country as Meta faces mounting legal, regulatory and public pressure to do more to protect young people.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Garlic Garlic is rich in plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive (fighting high blood pressure) properties.
    Carrie Madormo, HEALTH, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Helicopters and drones have also been deployed to help battle the fire, while crews have built firebreaks to try to prevent further spread.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Raquel’s battling that same thing of just not really knowing how, but wanting to be in her version of being a good mom.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on compete

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!