Synonyms of participate

participate

verb

pär-ˈti-sə-ˌpāt 

as in to share

to take a share or part

eager to participate in the city's cultural life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• share
• know
• partake
• experience
• receive
• undergo
• feel
• see
• endure
• accept
• meet
• taste
• encounter

Synonym Chooser

How is the word participate distinct from other similar verbs?

The words partake and share are common synonyms of participate. While all three words mean "to have, get, or use in common with another or others," participate implies a having or taking part in an undertaking, activity, or discussion.

participated in sports

When can partake be used instead of participate?

The words partake and participate can be used in similar contexts, but partake implies accepting or acquiring a share especially of food or drink.

partook freely of the refreshments

Where would share be a reasonable alternative to participate?

While in some cases nearly identical to participate, share usually implies that one as the original holder grants to another the partial use, enjoyment, or possession of a thing.

shared my toys with the others

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of participate

In Missouri, for example, a new law requires students to participate in active shooter exercises in the 2026-2027 school year; staff may also participate in simulated active shooter drills. —Alana Semuels, Time, 6 Nov. 2025

The agency identified the suspects as Xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhiyong Zhang, 30, who were all participating in J-1 visa academic exchange programs. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

The city is also participating in the Bartlett Dam expansion project, which could provide a more renewable supply. —Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 6 Nov. 2025

His ruling said the questionnaire could also ask if someone had run for political office, volunteered for a campaign, attended a political rally or participated in an immigration protest. —John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025