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 Connor Colby, one of three starters at left guard last season, will compete there against free-agent acquisitions Robert Jones and Brett Toth, the latter of whom is seen more as a center. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 Protecting election integrity and protecting voter access are not competing goals. Eric "doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 This means current abuse goes unpunished, and that the NCAA can also allow men to compete in women’s sports again. Katie Uhlaender Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 The seven features competing in Venice Critics’ Week are all by first-time directors and all world premieres. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for compete
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compete
Verb
  • The suit also contends that the defendants directed workers to use the elevator despite the hazards and failed to follow OSHA safety standards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • The full-length could contend for both Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, two prizes the singer-songwriter has claimed before.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Anyone seeking a gold medal in tennis in 2028 will be racing against time.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Berman, who lives in Yorkville, jumped in his car and raced toward the scene.
    Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • In mid-July, the World Health Organization said its joint $518 million plan to fight Ebola with the Africa CDC faced a funding shortfall of over $400 million.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • Other European Union countries have sent firefighting aircraft to help France fight these wildfires following a request for assistance from the country’s president, Emmanuel Macron.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Many places like South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China are battling demographic crises as birth rates fall and elderly populations swell.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Aang and his friends must now battle Tagah and The Denied to once again save the world.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 25 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compete.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compete. Accessed 27 Jul. 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!

More from Merriam-Webster