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 Friday will be windy and chilly compared with recent days, with highs around 65° in Dallas–Fort Worth. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Of 27 first-season series that received the Stamp, 24, or 89 percent, were renewed, compared with 38 of 45 series, or 84 percent, that did not receive the Stamp. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 His most recent tweet is about comparing streaming to college sports. — Angel Diaz, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026 Weekly paychecks, adjusted for inflation, actually declined in September compared with a year ago for the first time since May. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compare
  1. equate
  2. identify
  3. connect
  4. relate
Verb
  • Yet in a culture that equates progress with perpetual acceleration, to pause is to risk obsolescence.
    — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Blackwell equated Robinson’s impact to that of Sidney Poitier, Thurgood Marshall and Jackie Robinson.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of equate
Verb
  • By the August meeting, shortcomings in the rollout were identified.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Detectives identified a person of interest and obtained a search warrant for a residence.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of identify
Verb
  • Barnett hits first 3-point attempt Luke Barnett, who has arrived at KU with a reputation as an excellent 3- point shooter, connected on his first 3-point try shortly after checking in at the 15-minute mark of the first half.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But multiple times a date has admitted using AI to learn details about the show without having seen it, just to connect.
    — Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of connect
Verb
  • Benski and Clifford are currently in dispute with Vice over payments related the sale of Pulse.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Vollmann was also pessimistic, relating that feeling comes from more than America’s current political issues, but also from the world’s environmental problems.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 11 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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