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 It was recently confirmed that a third film is happening, but there were competing reports about whether Sheridan would be leading the way with his writing again. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 To compete, Washington needs to expand its own manufacturing sector and work with partners around the world that have developed advantages in key parts of the robotics supply chain. — Scott Singer, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026 The story grew from Mandel’s unease over a country divided not just by politics, but by competing versions of reality. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Those EVs will have to compete not only with longtime sales leader Tesla, but also with the flood of Chinese EVs that, sooner or later, will land in the US. — John Voelcker, The Verge, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • State officials contend the walkout is unlawful because the union failed to exempt employees deemed essential to public safety and is not properly engaging in mediations due to the call for a one-day strike.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Netflix film, which premiered at New York Film Festival earlier this month, is one of 10 Oscar-contending feature documentaries included in Doc Stories’ lineup.
    — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Domestic chipmakers are racing to catch up, but their tech still lags the US – and supplies of their cutting-edge models are tight.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Across Formula 1, tech giants are expanding their partnerships with racing teams as AI finds its way into everything from race strategy to fan engagement.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The rebels urged their forces to continue fighting and called on Tigrayans to support them.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • North Korean engineers have learned from time spent working in Russia’s massive Yelabuga drone factory, and North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia have gained firsthand experience in integrating drones into modern combat.
    — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Firefighters on Saturday evening continued battling a four-alarm fire at a Staten Island warehouse, the FDNY said.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Firefighters battled intense winds, with gusts reaching up to 62 mph, as flames spread beyond the installation.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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