compare

verb

kəm-ˈper How to pronounce compare (audio)
Definition of comparenext
1
as in to equate
to describe as similar reviews that compared the adventure movie to a thrilling ride on a roller coaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to identify
to regard or represent as equal or comparable compared the restaurant's food to the nectar of the gods

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compare distinct from other similar verbs?

The words collate and contrast are common synonyms of compare. While all three words mean "to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses," compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

In what contexts can collate take the place of compare?

The meanings of collate and compare largely overlap; however, collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

When might contrast be a better fit than compare?

While the synonyms contrast and compare are close in meaning, contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

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 compare Here are some quantifiable numbers to compare the pair of programs with Boise State. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026 Along the East Coast, strong low-pressure systems could be far more frequent than normal this winter, with about 18 forecast compared with a typical nine. — Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 The experiments showed that CARL improved tracking performance by up to 15 percent compared with existing methods, including during tests on physical robots. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026 The technical choice becomes easier to understand when compared with the way general-purpose generative AI typically operates. — Ethan Stone, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
  1. equate
  2. identify
  3. connect
  4. relate
Verb
  • Magnus Taylor, deputy Horn of Africa director at the International Crisis Group, cautioned against equating the loss of towns with an end to fighting.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
  • However, other analysts have expressed concerns about assuming that take-or-pay legal structures are iron-clad and about equating backlogs with revenue.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of equate
Verb
  • Under Sorrells, morale at the office is bleak and has resulted in an exodus, according to two veteran prosecutors who left the office and spoke on the condition they not be identified.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • About 42% of residents surveyed identified mental health as a top health challenge, and Gaston’s suicide rate also exceeds the state average.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of identify
Verb
  • Madsen connected with Jones for a 6-yard pass on the very first play of the game and didn’t slow down.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Part of that strategy is to connect with younger consumers, hence a recent partnership with 21-year-old livestreamer iShowSpeed along with innovating with menu items, branding, and store layout.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of connect
Verb
  • Philbrick relates all this less as history than as a stage play.
    — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The project also reflects the increasing importance of reliable manufacturing capacity in industries that depend on sophisticated electronic, sensing and space-related technologies.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of relate

Phrases Containing compare

Browse Nearby Words

comparative
compare
compared
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compare. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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