Definition of participatenext
as in to share
to take a share or part eager to participate in the city's cultural life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 participate Google and OpenAI later agreed to participate after initially declining. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 Netflix, for example, is participating through different parts of the programme. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026 The letter cautioned her about participating in an upcoming congressional hearing. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 Washington — Justice Samuel Alito will no longer participate in a major climate change case involving two large energy companies, according to a letter from the Supreme Court that was sent Monday. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for participate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for participate
Verb
  • The girls were born conjoined at the chest and abdomen, and shared several vital organs, according to Texas Children's.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Compiling and sharing data from large races can also help event organizers assess whether changes like earlier start times or alternate dates help reduce the number of people who get sick or hurt.
    — STAT, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Can the letter writer let sister know her fuss over food and product choices for 4-year-old nephew is hard to watch?
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Speaking of nail-biters, Marisa Berenson, better known for her roles in front of the camera, is in the process of putting together her own movie project.
    — Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/participate. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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