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 The second World Humanoid Robot Games kicked off over the weekend in Beijing, where robots competed in a variety of athletic events to showcase just how far robotics and AI have come in China. Nbc News, NBC news, 24 Aug. 2026 Brook trout typically compete with greenback cutthroat trout, and even prey on the younger greenbacks. Logan Smith, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 Graham and Norman will compete in a runoff on August 25th, the results of which will determine who will face the Democratic candidate, a pediatrician named Annie Andrews, in November. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026 Jo and Sam competed together in Race Across the World, traversing Latin America for the BBC reality competition series, produced by Studio Lambert. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The states also contend that requiring them to identify mail voters to USPS violates federal privacy protections governing records of individuals’ First Amendment activity.
    Luke Fountain, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Dustin Arnold, were racing as fast as 120 mph in order to get to the scene.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In the span of less than a week this July, surgeons at a Southern California hospital raced to save the lives of two women suffering from alarmingly similar brain hemorrhages.
    Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Without a clear message from Warsh, investors began to doubt the Fed’s inflation-fighting resolve.
    Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Federal safety investigators urged automakers to give emergency responders better guides on how to fight lithium-ion battery fires.
    Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hyppolite flashed a few times this summer, but is also battling an injury.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The actor died Saturday in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones after battling pneumonia, her family told The Times on Thursday.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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