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 The firm was also impacted negatively by financial expenses, and lower foreign exchange gains compared with the same period last year. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 Then there’s the dubious CGI, which falls flat compared with the practical stunt work and effects that gave the first three films so much of their tactile charm. — Frank Deruggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 CycloKinetics and Venus will compare CycloRP with RP-1 and RP-2 during this part of the program. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 Alexander Payne compared the experience of meeting Clooney to meeting Clark Gable or Cary Grant. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
  1. equate
  2. identify
  3. connect
  4. relate
Verb
  • The study’s authors are careful to frame Qurayyah Painted Ware as an example of ancient brand-making, rather than directly equating it with a modern multinational brand.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Others on Wall Street, however, see higher levels of risk, equating Meta's case to Big Tobacco in the 1990s when tobacco companies had to pay billions for misleading the public about the safety and potential harms of their products.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of equate
Verb
  • Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • After encountering Baumeister again the following year, Goodyear helped investigators obtain information that led them to identify Baumeister.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of identify
Verb
  • Purcell played just three quarters for Maine South (1-1), connecting on his first 11 passes.
    — Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Goodyear blimps flying high Part of the Goodyear Forward strategy is to increase focus on marketing and advertising to connect with customers to reinforce the brand.
    — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of connect
Verb
  • Neiman speculates that polyploidy and the snail’s unusual reproductive strategies are related.
    — Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Though theories implicated everyone from rival rapper Biggie Smalls to Knight’s wife Sharitha — neither of whom was ever charged in connection with the murder — investigators long suspected the killing was gang-related.
    — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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