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 So too, the possibility of Rollerball-style carnage carnivals where robots compete in vicious cage matches until only one android is still moving. — Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Samples could help distinguish between these competing explanations. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 The Panthers can extend their home winning streak, improve their conference standing and take another step toward competing for a championship. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Savchenko competed as a pro on 13 seasons of DWTS, and has yet to snatch the Mirrorball Trophy. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • The lawsuit in District Court for the District of Columbia contends that the federal government failed to comply with numerous statutes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Mazzio's attorney said the two men are longtime friends and contends their actions were legal.
    — Alice Gainer, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While an ordinary walk might leave her mind racing toward work, looking for a particular color gave it something else to do, effectively putting all that other mental chatter on mute.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Together, the symbols represent more than 280 years of racing history and state pride, officials say.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For now, Smith and her team are on the road as the Valkyries fight to take home the WNBA Championship Trophy.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • My school years passed in a sliding door moment, and all there was to behold in that frame was a young man who had to physically fight to be allowed to be someone else—himself.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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