participation

noun

par·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)pär-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən How to pronounce participation (audio)
pər-
Synonyms of participationnext
: the act of participating

Examples of participation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
On Saturday, Loya Chávez was careful to say that the issue at hand was not the drug raid itself, but rather the participation of US officials outside the bounds of Mexican law. — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026 Williams and Penix were listed as having full participation in practice this week. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 The Capricorn Moon squares the Libra Sun, and part of you may want to stay private while the world keeps asking for opinions, participation, or answers. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 In this role, ETS maintains student demographic, test participation and assessment data. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for participation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of participation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for participation

See All Rhymes for participation

Browse Nearby Words

participating stock
participation
participational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Participation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/participation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

participation

noun
par·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion
1
: the action or state of taking part in something: as
a
: association with others in a relationship (as a partnership) or an enterprise usually on a formal basis with specified rights and obligations
a loan made directly or in participation with a bank
b
: profit sharing
2
a
: something in which shares are taken by more than one party
b
: something that results in a share (as of a distribution)

More from Merriam-Webster on participation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for participation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about participation

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