Definition of participatenext
as in to share
to take a share or part eager to participate in the city's cultural life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

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 participate The seventh edition of Geneva Watch Days opens September 2 and runs to the 6, with 68 brands participating—that’s more than the 65 brands at Watches and Wonders at the Geneva Palexpo last April. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 His church now has a Queer Inclusive Collective ministry and participates in Pride events. John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Selling volume begins to decrease and fewer stocks participate in new lows. Thomas Hartmann, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System who participate in Social Security are eligible to receive up to $155,081 per year in retirement benefits, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting. Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for participate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for participate
Verb
  • Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
  • During their visit, the wife talked incessantly, sharing stories about their family members in great detail.
    R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The death came as the festival endured another year with weather woes, including rain on Friday that temporarily closed a main gate to festival grounds known as Black Rock City.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
  • As the commission moved toward a vote on the plan, there was a certain resignation among the ballroom skeptics, who knew that they were outnumbered.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Participate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/participate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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