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
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Recent Examples of participatePer Deloitte’s 2026 Halloween survey, 92% of US households are looking to participate in the holiday this year.—
Joe Bobowicz,
Vogue,
26 Oct. 2026 Students who spent more hours socializing with friends, attending student organizations and participating in cultural events tended to report feeling an overall sense of well-being.—
Roxanne Prichard,
The Conversation,
26 Oct. 2026 Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is expected at the festival later in the week, while Kramer is scheduled to participate in an array of events, including a public conversation with Toho CEO Hiro Matsuoka.—
Gavin Blair,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Oct. 2026 Did Holmes and Evans get paid to participate in the documentary?—Los Angeles Times,
26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for participate
Essentially, this means the ship will form one node in a network of ships that share and coordinate data in real time.
—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2026
The company’s findings are in a new worker safety report; much of the retail-specific data in this article comes from the full questionnaire and detailed results tables the company shared with Retail Brew.